LAD'DER, noun 1. A frame of wood, consisting of two side pieces, connected by rounds inserted in them at suitable distances, and thus forming steps, by which persons may ascend a building, etc. 2. That by which a person ascends or rises; means of ascending; as a ladder made of cords. Lowliness is young ambition's ladder 3. Gradual rise; elevation. Mounting fast towards the top of the ladder ecclesiastical.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI