A.ladder or steps to ascend by: scaling ladder, Ph.Bel. 91.48, Ath.Mech.25.3,J.BJ7.9.2,Arr.An.4.27.1; ship's ladder, gangway, D.S.12.62.
2.. metaph., means of approach, stepping-stone, Plb.3.24.14 (pl.); “ἐ. ἔχειν τὴν Ἄβυδον” Id.16.29.2; “γάμον ἐ. τισὶ γενέσθαι” J.AJ11.8.2; τῆς Ἑλλάδος towards . . , Plu.Demetr.8; τῷ ἑξῆς “λόγῳ” Arr.Epict.1.7.22, cf. Plot.1.6.1; “εἰς τὸ ἐξευρεῖν” Gal.9.149.