footing

n. 1. Ground for the foot; place for the foot to rest on; firm foundation to stand on. [ 1913 Webster ]

In ascent, every step gained is a footing and help to the next. Holder. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Standing; position; established place; basis for operation; permanent settlement; foothold. [ 1913 Webster ]

As soon as he had obtained a footing at court, the charms of his manner . . . made him a favorite. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Relative condition; state. [ 1913 Webster ]

Lived on a footing of equality with nobles. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Tread; step; especially, measured tread. [ 1913 Webster ]

Hark, I hear the footing of a man. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. The act of adding up a column of figures; the amount or sum total of such a column. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. The act of putting a foot to anything; also, that which is added as a foot; as, the footing of a stocking. [ 1913 Webster ]

7. A narrow cotton lace, without figures. [ 1913 Webster ]

8. The finer refuse part of whale blubber, not wholly deprived of oil. Simmonds. [ 1913 Webster ]

9. (Arch. & Enging.) The thickened or sloping portion of a wall, or of an embankment at its foot. [ 1913 Webster ]

Footing course (Arch.), one of the courses of masonry at the foot of a wall, broader than the courses above. --
To pay one's footing, to pay a fee on first doing anything, as working at a trade or in a shop. Wright. --
Footing beam, the tie beam of a roof. [ 1913 Webster ]