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

Here, however, I was less fortunate, there being no way of entering the building, save by walking in through the gate, or climbing the walls with the help of a scaling ladder.

From Two Gallant Sons of Devon A Tale of the Days of Queen Bess by Hodgson, Edward S.

Immediately King Philip once more planted his scaling ladder, but his ally disappeared around the house.

From Chicken Little Jane by Ritchie, Lily Munsell

This was a long scaling ladder, supported by a few persons who were endeavouring to penetrate the living mass, and by which they meant to gain entrance to the house.

From The Betrothed From the Italian of Alessandro Manzoni by Manzoni, Alessandro

Run the scaling ladder up or down, it doesn't much matter—there are hundreds of applicants for every round; and only one man can stand on each—and climb, as I mean to.

From Flamsted quarries by Nelson, G. Patrick