scaling ladder

noun

1. a ladder for climbing high walls.

scaling ladder

noun

1. a ladder used to climb high walls, esp one used formerly to enter a besieged town, fortress, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of scaling ladder¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400

Example Sentences

He holds this castle under a disputed will; and the great duke of Norfolk is preparing to dispossess him of it, not by the feeble writs of the King's Court at Westminster, but by gun and scaling ladder.

From Project Gutenberg

Amidst this heavy fighting, Cpl Stephens used a scaling ladder to see over the wall, which was about 9ft high, to enable him to provide covering fire to support the group in the orchard.

From BBC

This was a long scaling ladder, supported by a few persons who were endeavouring to penetrate the living mass, and by which they meant to gain entrance to the house.

From Project Gutenberg

Even today, you need to check English Heritage's opening hours - unless you have a scaling ladder or ballista in the back of your car.

From The Guardian

On the following morning Bourbon attacked the Leonine City, and while mounting a scaling ladder fell mortally wounded by a shot, which Benvenuto Cellini in his Life claims to have fired.

From Project Gutenberg