I. ˈgriˌdī(ə)rn, -īən noun
Etymology: Middle English gredire, probably by folk etymology (influence of ire, iren iron) from gredil, gridel — more at griddle
1. : an iron grating formerly used for torture by fire
2. : a grated metal frame for broiling food over coals — compare griddle , grill
3. : something resembling a gridiron, grating, or lattice in structure or appearance: as
a. : a network of sections (as of pipes, railroad tracks, or roads)
b. : grid 2c
c. : the arrangement of beams over a theater stage supporting the machinery for flying scenery
d. : a football field
II. transitive verb
: to cover or mark with bars or lines suggestive of those of a gridiron