foundation

n. [ F. fondation, L. fundatio. See Found to establish. ] 1. The act of founding, fixing, establishing, or beginning to erect. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. That upon which anything is founded; that on which anything stands, and by which it is supported; the lowest and supporting layer of a superstructure; groundwork; basis. [ 1913 Webster ]

Behold, I lay in Zion, for a foundation, a stone . . . a precious corner stone, a sure foundation. Is. xxviii. 16. [ 1913 Webster ]

The foundation of a free common wealth. Motley. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Arch.) The lowest and supporting part or member of a wall, including the base course (see Base course (a), under Base, n.) and footing courses; in a frame house, the whole substructure of masonry. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. A donation or legacy appropriated to support a charitable institution, and constituting a permanent fund; endowment. [ 1913 Webster ]

He was entered on the foundation of Westminster. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. That which is founded, or established by endowment; an endowed institution or charity; as, the Ford Foundation. [ 1913 Webster ]

Against the canon laws of our foundation. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

Foundation course. See Base course, under Base, n. --
Foundation muslin, an open-worked gummed fabric used for stiffening dresses, bonnets, etc. --
Foundation school, in England, an endowed school. --
To be on a foundation, to be entitled to a support from the proceeds of an endowment, as a scholar or a fellow of a college. [ 1913 Webster ]