gridiron

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 ]