\Es`ca*lade"\, n. [F., Sp. escalada (cf. It. scalata),
fr. Sp. escalar to scale, LL. scalare, fr. L. scala ladder.
See {Scale}, v. t.] (Mil.)
A furious attack made by troops on a fortified place, in
which ladders are used to pass a ditch or mount a rampart.

      Sin enters, not by escalade, but by cunning or
      treachery.                               --Buckminster.

\Es`ca*lade"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Escaladed}; p. pr.
& vb. n. {Escalading}.] (Mil.)
To mount and pass or enter by means of ladders; to scale; as,
to escalate a wall.