Definition

Noun: 1. A hanging ladder made of ropes or chains with wooden or metal rungs: Specifically, a portable ladder used on ships, hung over the side or from rigging to provide access between the ship and smaller boats, docks, or the water.

Usage

• The term "jack ladder" is a technical, nautical term. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation.
• It is used to describe a specific piece of maritime equipment.
• It functions as a countable noun (e.g., , ).

Examples

• The sailors used a jack ladder to climb down from the ship into the rescue boat.
• Before docking, the crew prepared the jack ladder for the harbor pilot.
• Ensure the jack ladder is securely fastened before anyone uses it.

Advanced Usage

• The term is almost exclusively used within the context of sailing, boating, and naval operations.
• It can be synonymous with "Jacob's ladder" in many nautical contexts, though "Jacob's ladder" is often the more recognized term.

Variants and Related Words

• Jacob's ladder (noun): A common synonym for "jack ladder" in nautical use. It can also refer to a type of plant or a toy.
• Pilot ladder (noun): A specific, standardized type of rope ladder used for embarking and disembarking pilots, which is a form of jack ladder.
• Rope ladder (noun): A more general term for any ladder made of rope, which may or may not be used on a ship.

Synonyms

• Rope ladder: A general term for the same type of object.
• Jacob's ladder: The most direct and common synonym in nautical language.

Related Phrases

• To rig a jack ladder: To set up or prepare the hanging ladder for use.
  • The deckhand was ordered to rig the jack ladder on the starboard side.
• To ascend/descend the jack ladder: To climb up or down the ladder.
  • The visitors carefully descended the jack ladder to board the tender.

Noun

1. (nautical) a hanging ladder of ropes or chains supporting wooden or metal rungs or steps