hook and ladder

[ hook uhn lad-er ]

noun

1. ladder truck ( def ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of hook and ladder¹

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35

Example Sentences

Besides that, they attack with so formidable a battery that no hook-and-ladder corps is needed to "break open" for them.

From Project Gutenberg

She looked at that telephone like a person in the fourth story of a house afire looks at the hook-and-ladder man.

From Project Gutenberg

Meanwhile the machine of the hook-and-ladder experts from across the creek was spinning on its way.

From Project Gutenberg

A hook-and-ladder company now coming up, an effort was made to clap a ladder against the fugitive, but it could not be done.

From Project Gutenberg

More engines had arrived in the street below, and another hook-and-ladder truck.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• fire engine