A series of stages by which one progresses to a better position.
A length of unravelled fabric in a knitted garment, especially in nylon stockings; a run.
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).
In the game of go, a sequence of moves following a zigzag pattern and ultimately leading to the capture of the attacked stones.
The hierarchy or ranking system within an organization, such as the corporate ladder.
Of a knitted garment: to develop a ladder as a result of a broken thread.
To ascend (a building, a wall, etc.) using a ladder.
To arrange or form into a shape of a ladder.
To close in on a target with successive salvos, increasing or decreasing the shot range as necessary.
A determinate method prescribed for performing any operation and producing a certain result.
A regulating principle.
A ruler; device for measuring, a straightedge, a measure.
A normal condition or state of affairs.
A regulation, law, guideline.
An order regulating the practice of the courts, or an order made between parties to an action or a suit.
A straight line (continuous mark, as made by a pen or the like), especially one lying across a paper as a guide for writing.
The act of ruling; administration of law; government; empire; authority; control.
To establish or settle by, or as by, a rule; to fix by universal or general consent, or by common practice.
To regulate, be in charge of, make decisions for, reign over.
To decide judicially.
To mark (paper or the like) with rules (lines).
To excel.