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

Tom had recognised the dear old pater seated beside the port-captain, and as the boat pulled alongside he rushed down the accommodation ladder so as to be the first to welcome him.

From The War of the Axe Adventures in South Africa by J. Percy-Groves

I took his hand from one of the chiefs who had assisted him up the accommodation ladder, and led him to the cabin.

From Account of a Voyage of Discovery to the West Coast of Corea, and the Great Loo-Choo Island by Basil Hall

Every stroke of the oars was bringing her nearer, and already the man in the bows was getting his boat-hook ready to hitch on to the accommodation ladder.

From A Cabinet Secret by Guy Newell Boothby

Somers directed the coxswain of the first cutter to pull in to the accommodation ladder of the steamer.

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

Without waiting for a reply, he sprang forward to the head of the accommodation ladder and shinned down it into the launch.

From A Traitor's Wooing by Headon Hill