escalade

[ es-kuh-leyd, -lahd, es-kuh-leyd, -lahd ]

noun

1. a scaling or mounting by means of ladders, especially in an assault upon a fortified place.

verb (used with object)

, es·ca·lad·ed, es·ca·lad·ing.

1. to mount, pass, or enter by means of ladders.

escalade

/ ˌɛskəˈleɪd /

noun

1. an assault by the use of ladders, esp on a fortification

verb

1. to gain access to (a place) by the use of ladders

Derived Forms

• ˌescaˈlader, noun

Other Words From

• esca·lader noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of escalade¹

1590–1600; < Middle French < Old Provençal *escalada, equivalent to escal ( ar ) to scale ³ + -ada -ade ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of escalade¹

C16: from French, from Italian scalata, from scalare to mount, scale ³

Example Sentences

Seizing one of the axes, I attacked the lower rigging vigorously, cutting through shrouds, slings, braces, and halyards, everything that came within reach, thus making my position secure from escalade.

From Project Gutenberg

An attempt to escalade the fortress was made, under the guidance of a native goat-herd.

From Project Gutenberg

The position was of great strength, and would have been an ugly place to carry by escalade.

From Project Gutenberg

In the reign of Queen Mary this stronghold was taken by an escalade.

From Project Gutenberg

The Spaniards, certain of an escalade, at night brought down the great eighteen pound ship guns of the fort to the side of the island looking towards the land, and left the sea-shore almost defenceless.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• ascend
• clamber
• go up
• mount
• rise
• scale
• soar
• top