Noah Webster
Ladder
LAD'DER, noun
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, etc.
2. That by which a person ascends or rises; means of ascending; as a ladder made of cords.
Lowliness is young ambition's ladder
3. Gradual rise; elevation.
Mounting fast towards the top of the ladder ecclesiastical.