from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Gridiron \Grid"i`ron\, n. [OE. gredire, gredirne, from the same
source as E. griddle, but the ending was confused with E.
iron. See {Griddle}.]
1. A grated iron utensil for broiling flesh and fish over
coals.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Naut.) An openwork frame on which vessels are placed for
examination, cleaning, and repairs.
3. (Sport) A football field; -- so called because of the
resemblance of the parallel marked yard lines to a
gridiron[1].
[PJC]
{Gridiron pendulum}. See under Pendulum.
{Gridiron valve} (Steam Engine), a slide valve with several
parallel perforations corresponding to openings in the
seat on which the valve moves.
[1913 Webster]