Definition of Jacob's ladder
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
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for Jacob's ladder
The first known use of Jacob's ladder was in 1733
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