scaling ladder (skaʻlinglader)

1. A ladder used for the escalade of an enemy's fortre . Besides an ordinary ladder with hooks at the upper end and similar fittings, which is the common kind, scaling ladders have been made with braces to support them at the proper angle and wheels by which the whole structure was run close up to the walls. They are now used chiefly for descending the height of the counterscarp into the ditch. 2. In her., a bearing representing a ladder having two pointed hooks at the tops of the uprights and two pointed ferrules at the bottom.-3. A firemen's ladder used for scaling buildings. See ladder.