Webster's English Dictionary

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ladder

lad.der \'lad-*r\ n [ME, fr. OE hl-der; akin to OHG leitara ladder, OE 
   h] often attrib linian to lean - more at LEAN 1: a structure for climbing 
   up or down that consists of two long sidepieces  joined at intervals by 
   crosspieces on which one may step 2: something that resembles or suggests a 
   ladder in form or use; specif)X : RUN 3: a series of usu. ascending steps 
   or stages : SCALE