hook-and-ladder company

[ hook-uhn-lad-er kuhm-puh-nee ]

noun

1. ladder company ( def ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of hook-and-ladder company¹

An Americanism dating back to 1815–25

Example Sentences

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

The last he saw of the cab or of the cabman was near the house of the hook-and-ladder company east of the French Market.

From Project Gutenberg

The fire alarm had been given and several engines and a hook-and-ladder company dashed on the scene.

From Project Gutenberg