accommodation ladder

American  

noun

1. a portable flight of steps, usually having a small platform at each end, suspended at the side of a vessel to give access to and from boats alongside.

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accommodation ladder British  

noun

1. nautical a flight of stairs or a ladder for lowering over the side of a ship for access to and from a small boat, pier, etc

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Etymology

Origin of accommodation ladder

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

accommodation ladder

From the top of the accommodation ladder Peter signed to the native engineer, and by the time Olive stepped agilely into the stern-sheets, without taking advantage of Mostyn's proffered hand, the motor was purring gently.

From The Wireless Officer by Westerman, Percy F. (Percy Francis)

As the Tallapoosa gathered headway, a gentleman, clothed in naval uniform, stepped on the rail from the accommodation ladder.

From Brave Old Salt or, Life on the Quarter Deck by Optic, Oliver

Peaks came alongside, and directed Clyde Blacklock to mount the accommodation ladder, which he did without making any objection.

From Up The Baltic Young America in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark by Optic, Oliver

One by one the passengers began to ascend the swaying accommodation ladder.

From The Wireless Officer by Westerman, Percy F. (Percy Francis)

At last we reached the yacht, and pulled up at the accommodation ladder.

From The Kidnapped President by Boothby, Guy Newell