Crossword component (4)
I believe the answer is:
grid
'crossword component' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for grid that I've seen before include "Network of intersecting lines" , "Pattern of crossing lines" , "Map reference system" , "a network of squares as in this puzzle" , "crossword, but no clues" .)