Emily Dickinson Lexicon

LAD'DER, n. [Sax. hlædder; D. ladder or leder; G. leiter, a ladder, a leader, a guide; leiten, to lead.]

1. A frame of wood, consisting of two side-pieces, connected by rounds inserted in them at suitable distances, and thus forming steps, by which persons may ascend a building, &c.
2. That by which a person ascends or rises; means of ascending; as, a ladder made of cords. Lowliness is young ambitions ladder. – Shak.
3. Gradual rise; elevation. Mounting fast toward the top of the ladder ecclesiastical. – Swift.