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

The captain and first mate were at the head of the accommodation ladder to receive him.

From The Submarine Hunters A Story of the Naval Patrol Work in the Great War by Edward S. Hodgson

The second officer ran up the accommodation ladder.

From A Roving Commission Or, Through the Black Insurrection at Hayti by G. A. (George Alfred) Henty

The Port formalities had already been complied with, and now the accommodation ladder was hanging at the side in readiness for visitors.

From A Cabinet Secret by Guy Newell Boothby

Next morning I was enjoying the cool breeze under the bridge awning, when the second mate came up to inform me that a shore boat was approaching the accommodation ladder.

From The Kidnapped President by Guy Newell Boothby

After the last box had been swung up, the admiral and Stephen went up the accommodation ladder to the deck.

From With Cochrane the Dauntless by G. A. (George Alfred) Henty