n. A piece of openwork or grating, usually of metal, as wrought-iron.n. A grating serving as a gate; also, a metallic grating closing a small opening, as in a door, allowing an inmate to answer inquiries and examine applicants for admission without opening the door.n. The large grating separating a convent parlor into two parts, visitors being allowed only on one side of it.n. In pisciculture, an apparatus for holding fish-eggs during incubation, consisting of a rectangular wooden frame 20 inches long and from 7 to 8 inches wide, into which are fastened small cylindrical glass tubes, closely placed.In lace, having a background consisting of bars or brides crossing open spaces: also said of the background itself.