Ladle (?), n. [AS. hlædel, fr. hladan to load, drain. See Lade, v. t.] 1. A cuplike spoon, often of large size, with a long handle, used in lading or dipping.
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When the materials of glass have been kept long in fusion, the mixture casts up the superfluous salt, which the workmen take off with ladles. Boyle.
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2. (Founding) A vessel to carry liquid metal from the furnace to the mold.
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3. The float of a mill wheel; -- called also ladle board.
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4. (Gun.) (a) An instrument for drawing the charge of a cannon. (b) A ring, with a handle or handles fitted to it, for carrying shot.
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Ladle wood (Bot.), the wood of a South African tree (Cassine Colpoon), used for carving.
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