Jacob's ladder

noun

Ja·​cob's ladder ˈjā-kəbz- 

1

: any of a genus (Polemonium) of herbs of the phlox family that have pinnate leaves, a bell-shaped corolla, and a several-seeded capsule

especially : a perennial herb (P. caeruleum) with bright blue or occasionally white flowers

2

: a marine ladder of rope or chain with wooden or iron rungs

Word History

Etymology

from the ladder seen in a dream by Jacob in Genesis 28:12

First Known Use

1733, in the meaning defined at sense 1