— ladderless , adj. — ladderlike, laddery , adj.
/lad"euhr/ , n.
1. a structure of wood, metal, or rope, commonly consisting of two sidepieces between which a series of bars or rungs are set at suitable distances, forming a means of climbing up or down.
2. something resembling this.
3. a means of rising, as to eminence: the ladder of success.
4. a graded series of stages or levels in status; a hierarchical order of position or rank: high on the political ladder.
5. Naut. companionway (def. 1).
6. Chiefly Brit. a run in a stocking.
v.t.
7. to climb or mount by means of a ladder: to ladder a wall.
8. to furnish with a ladder: to ladder a water tower.
9. Chiefly Brit. to cause a run in (a stocking).
v.i.
10. Chiefly Brit. to get a run, as in a stocking.
11. to gain in popularity or importance: He laddered to the top of his profession.
[ bef. 1000; ME laddre, OE hlaeder; c. G Leiter, D leer (also ladder hleithra tent; orig., something that slopes. See LEAN 1 ]