subs. phr. (originally theatrical: now general).—1. A longitudinal flaw in the leg of a pair of tights; now applied to any rent of which only the woof threads are left.
1859. G. A. SALA, Gaslight and Daylight, xxx. Here he [a tramp] sat down on a milestone; and producing a remarkably neat housewife case, proceeded to overhaul all parts of his apparel with as much care and circumspection as if they had been of purple and fine linen, catching up any strong rents and JACOB’S LADDERS with a grave and deliberate countenance.
2. (venery).—The female pudendum. For synonyms, see MONOSYLLABLE.
