/grat'n ay", graht'-/ ; Fr. /grddann tee nay"/ , v.t., gratinéed, gratinéing .
to bake or broil (food) in au gratin style.
[ 1930-35; gratiner to cook au gratin, deriv. of gratin orig., burnt food adhering to the sides and bottom of a pot, deriv. of grater to scrape; see GRATE 2 ]