LADDER

The sea term for the staircases between the decks. Ladders are also made of rope. LAD Y. A title said to be compounded of two Saxon words, and to signify the giver or distributor of bread; t. e. the mistre of a family. It properly belongs to the daughters of all peers above the rank of a viscount; and is extended, by courtesy, to the wives of knights of every degree. [s. 646]