{ , n. The doctrine of a modern religious pantheistical sect in Persia, which was founded, about 1844, by Mirza Ali Mohammed ibn Rabhik (1820 -- 1850), who assumed the title of Bab-ed-Din (Per., Gate of the Faith). Babism is a mixture of Muslim, Christian, Jewish, and Parsi elements. This doctrine forbids concubinage and polygamy, and frees women from many of the degradations imposed upon them among the orthodox Muslims. Mendicancy, the use of intoxicating liquors and drugs, and slave dealing, are forbidden; asceticism is discountenanced. -- Bab"ist, n. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]

n.; pl. Bases [ L. basis, Gr. ba`sis. See Base, n. ] 1. The foundation of anything; that on which a thing rests. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The pedestal of a column, pillar, or statue. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

If no basis bear my rising name. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. The groundwork; the first or fundamental principle; that which supports. [ 1913 Webster ]

The basis of public credit is good faith. A. Hamilton. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. The principal component part of a thing. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Basi- + solute, a. ] (Bot.) Prolonged at the base, as certain leaves. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Anat.) The basisphenoid bone. [ 1913 Webster ]

{ } a. [ Basi- + sphenoid. ] (Anat.) Of or pertaining to that part of the base of the cranium between the basioccipital and the presphenoid, which usually ossifies separately in the embryo or in the young, and becomes a part of the sphenoid in the adult. [ 1913 Webster ]