n. A frame of wood, metal, or rope, usually portable, and consisting essentially of two side-pieces connected at suitable distances by cross-pieces, generally in the form of rounds or rungs, forming steps by which, when the frame is properly set, a person may ascend a height.n. Figuratively, any means of ascending; a means of rising to eminence.n. In logic, a figure illustrating the theory of the old logic concerning the relations of genera, differences, and speciesn. Nautical See Jacob's-ladder, 1.n. A series of buckets for dredging and filling which are carried up and down an incline; a bucket-conveyer.n. In railroads, a track which connects by switches the ends of a series of parallel tracks and is used in sorting cars in a drill-yard. See drill-yard.