ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 16, 2009) A Sailor assigned to the guided-missile cruiser USS Hue City (CG 66) climbs the Jacob’s ladder during a visit, board, search and seizure exercise aboard the Military Sealift Command Stalwart-class modified tactical auxiliary general ocean surveillance ship USNS Prevail (TSV-1). (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Leah Stiles)

Definition

Noun

  1. Any ladder aloft.
  2. AKA Pilot’s ladder. Any ladder than can be hung over the side to allow access to a ship from boats.

Origin

(First definition) Probably earlier than the 17th century. A sailor’s nickname that refers to the Biblical ladder Jacob climbed to Heaven. (Second definition) 18th century.

Comments

This can also refer to a light ladder for use on a ship or with boat booms.

References

Kemp, P. (1994). The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea. Oxford University Press.

Rogers, J.G. (1985). Origins of Sea Terms. Mystic Seaport.