scaling-ladder
Definition
Noun: A scaling-ladder is a long ladder used historically for climbing over the walls of a fortress or fortified city during an assault. It is specifically designed for military siege operations, allowing attackers to scale defensive walls.
Usage Examples
- (A ladder used to climb over the fortress wall during an attack.)
- (The ladder used for scaling the fortifications.)
Advanced Usage
"to employ a scaling-ladder": to use such a ladder in a siege.
- The army employed several scaling-ladders during the night assault. (They used ladders designed for climbing fortress walls.)
"to place a scaling-ladder against a wall": to set the ladder in position for climbing.
- The attackers quickly placed a scaling-ladder against the battlements. (They positioned the ladder for scaling the wall.)
Variants and Related Words
Scaling (adj): relating to climbing or ascending, especially in a military context.
- The scaling operation required great courage. (The act of climbing the wall.)
Ladder (n): a piece of equipment consisting of two long side pieces joined by rungs, used for climbing.
- They needed a long ladder to reach the roof. (A climbing tool.)
Synonyms
- Siege ladder: a ladder used specifically during a siege.
- Assault ladder: a ladder used for attacking a fortification.
Related Idioms
"To scale the walls": to climb over the walls of a fortress or city.
- The troops managed to scale the walls using a scaling-ladder. (They climbed over the walls with the ladder.)
"To bring a ladder to the fight": to prepare for a direct assault on a fortified position.
- The general ordered his men to bring a scaling-ladder to the fight. (To prepare the ladder for scaling the walls.)