• Gridiron

    Pronunciation

    • UK IPA: /ˈɡɹɪdʌɪən/

    Origin

    Origin uncertain; the ending was assimilated to iron.

    Full definition of gridiron

    Noun

    gridiron

    (plural gridirons)
    1. An instrument of torture on which people were secured before being burned by fire. from 13th c.
      • 1603, John Florio, translating Michel de Montaigne, Essays, II.32:I know, there have been found seely boores, who have rather endure to have their feet broiled upon a Greedyron, their fingers ends crusht and wrung with the lock of a Pistoll, their eyes all bloody to be thrust out of their heads with wringing and wresting of a cord about their foreheads, before they would so much as be ransomed.
    2. An iron rack or grate used for broiling flesh and fish over coals. from 14th c.
    3. Any object resembling the rack or grate. from 15th c.
    4. (nautical) An openwork frame on which vessels are placed for examination, cleaning, and repairs.
    5. (American football) The field on which American football is played. from 19th c.
    6. (uncountable) American football.
    7. (Australia and New Zealand) A generic term for American and Canadian football, particularly when used to distinguish from other codes of football.

    Synonyms

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