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

Meta styled Muse Spark as “the first step on our scaling ladder and the first product of a ground-up overhaul.”

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

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

He learned to manage a horse, to climb a scaling ladder, to wield sword, battle-ax, and lance.

From Early European History by Webster, Hutton

Then he glided rapidly to the ground, and with the assistance of a dozen ready hands he dragged away the scaling ladder.

From Love-at-Arms by Sabatini, Rafael

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