scaling ladder

American  

noun

1. a ladder for climbing high walls.

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scaling ladder British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of scaling ladder

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400

Example Sentences

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 The Betrothed From the Italian of Alessandro Manzoni by Manzoni, Alessandro

At one time, while attacking a small town, he seized a scaling ladder and mounted with the troops.

From Alexander the Great Makers of History by Abbott, Jacob

So, up he went, deserting the faithful scaling ladder on the roof, for the time being.

From The Voice on the Wire by Ball, Eustace Hale

Among them was Captain Bate, of the Actaeon, who was killed while about to mount a scaling ladder.

From How Britannia Came to Rule the Waves Updated to 1900 by Kingston, William Henry Giles

The flames were licking around the scaling ladder, which was already blazing.

From The Gray Dawn by White, Stewart Edward