A frame, usually portable, of wood, metal, or rope, used for ascent and descent, consisting of two side pieces to which are fastened rungs (cross strips or rounds acting as steps).
(figuratively) A series of stages by which one progresses to a better position.
“Perhaps this house contained the engineer's stateroom and that of his assistant, as well as a ladderway to the engine room.”
“Digger lunged past me, his shotgun arm extended down the ladderway. One-handed, he fired twice blindly. The shotgun blasts were answered by a scream.”
