ἐπιβάθρα

A. ladder or steps to ascend by: scaling ladder, Ph. Bel. 91.48, Ath.Mech. 25.3,J. BJ 7.9.2,Arr. An. 4.27.1; ship's ladder, gangway, D.S. 12.62.

2. . metaph., means of approach, stepping-stone, Plb. 3.24.14 (pl.); ἐ. ἔχειν τὴν Ἄβυδον Id. 16.29.2; γάμον ἐ. τισὶ γενέσθαι J. AJ 11.8.2; τῆς Ἑλλάδος towards . ., Plu. Demetr. 8; τῷ ἑξῆς λόγῳ Arr. Epict. 1.7.22, cf. Plot. 1.6.1; εἰς τὸ ἐξευρεῖν Gal. 9.149.

3. . platform for engines of war, J. BJ 7.8.5; base, foundation, γῆ . . τοῖς ἐπ’ αὐτῆς βεβηκόσιν ἑδραία ἐ. Plot. 2.1.7: metaph., γεῦσις ἐ. τῶν αἰσθήσεων Ph. 1.665.