ladder
Webster 1828
LAD'DER, noun 1. A frame of wood, consisting of two side pieces, connected by rounds inserted in them at suitable distances, and thus forming steps, by which persons may ascend a building, etc.2. That by which a person ascends or rises; means of ascending; as a ladder made of cords.Lowliness is young ambition's ladder 3. Gradual rise; elevation.Mounting fast towards the top of the ladder ecclesiastical