ˈscaling-ˌladder
[scaling vbl. n.3]
A ladder used in the assault of fortified places.
| c 1400 Brut ii. 382/22 Bryggez of lethir, scaling laddres. 1412–20 Lydg. Chron. Troy ii. 6442 Skalyng ladderis for sautis marcial. 1571 Digges Pantom. i. xxv. H iij, You may in this manner..tell the iuste length of the scaling laders. 1697 Dryden æneid ii. 605 Some mount the scaling Ladders, some..by Posts and Pillars hold. 1739 tr. Rollin's Anc. Hist. iii. i. I. 298 He caused rams, mantles, and scaling ladders to be got ready. 1802 C. James Milit. Dict. s.v. Ladder, Scaling-ladders..are made..sometimes of flat staves, so as to move about their pins, and shut like a parallel ruler. 1893 W. Forbes-Mitchell Remin. Gt. Mutiny 97 A number of men..carrying scaling-ladders. |
b. A fireman's ladder used for scaling buildings.
| 1868 E. M. Shaw Instr. Scaling Ladders 4 The scaling ladders at present used by the Metropolitan Fire Brigade. 1888 Merryweather Fire Brigade Handbk. 106. |
c. Her. A charge representing a ladder having two grappling-hooks at the top.
| 1780 Edmondson Her. II. Gloss., Scaling-ladder, in bend, between two caltraps. |