Толковый словарь английского языка Oxford English Reference - ladder

n. & v. --n. 1 a set of horizontal bars of wood or metal fixed between two uprights and used for climbing up or down. 2 Brit. a vertical strip of unravelled fabric in a stocking etc. resembling a ladder. 3 a a hierarchical structure. b such a structure as a means of advancement, promotion, etc. --v. Brit. 1 intr. (of a stocking etc.) develop a ladder. 2 tr. cause a ladder in (a stocking etc.). Phrases and idioms ladder-back an upright chair with a back resembling a ladder. ladder-stitch transverse bars in embroidery. ladder tournament a sporting contest with each participant listed and entitled to a higher place by defeating the one above. Etymology: OE hl{aelig}d(d)er, ult. f. Gmc: cf. LEAN(1)