companion ladder

American  

noun

Nautical.

1. an inboard ladder or stair, as in a companionway.

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Etymology

Origin of companion ladder

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

They walked along for some way in the shadow of the mesa, rounded a projection, and there, in a water worn ravine, was the way up the companion ladder.

From "Brave New World" by Aldous Huxley

This excitement found vent while we were in the companion ladder on our way to the deck above.

From A Cabinet Secret by Boothby, Guy Newell

The two Dutchmen looked round them as they mounted the companion ladder, with the air of persons who were familiar with what they saw.

From Perils in the Transvaal and Zululand by Adams, H.C.

Being familiar by this time with the best means of getting on board the wreck, it was not very long before I was making my way down the companion ladder into the saloon.

From A Crime of the Under-seas by Boothby, Guy Newell

If old Tichel had come down the companion ladder a minute sooner, he might have saved Willis; and he and Willis between them might have overcome Dan'l.

From The Sea Bride by Williams, Ben Ames