ETYM Old Eng. laddre, as. hlaeder, hlaedder; akin to OFries. hladder, Old High Germ. leitara, German leiter, and from the root of Eng. lean, v. Related to Lean, Climax.
Two parallel members connected by rungs; for climbing up or down.

To come unraveled or undone as if by snagging, of stockings; SYN. run.