Definition of gridiron

The term "gridiron" refers to the wooden or metal frame used to cook food over an open fire, resembling a modern-day barbecue grill. This word's origins can be traced back to ancient Rome, where soldiers cooked meat on iron frames resembling a modern-day grill over an open flame. The word made its way into the English language through its French derivative, "gr Illinois, which is believed to have originated during the Hundred Years' War (1337–1453), when English soldiers cooked meat on such devices during the battle campaigns. The Roman soldiers cooked meat, usually fish, for their own consumption, but in medieval times, "gridirons" became part of public events, such as banquets and feasts, in which meat was cooked and served to large groups of people. The term is still used today to describe a device for grilling food but also, in American English, refers to the playing surface in American football, which, with its discrete segments and patterns, somewhat resembles the structure of a grill's grid. In conclusion, the word "gridiron" has its roots in Roman times, where soldiers cooked meals on iron frames over open fires. Its modern-day meaning has grown to describe both cooking devices and stadium turfs.