01 n. Ground for the foot; place for the foot to rest on; firm foundation to stand on.
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1.
Ground for the foot; place for the foot to rest on; firm foundation to stand on.“In ascent, every step gained is a footing and help to the next.” — Holder.
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2.
Standing; position; established place; basis for operation; permanent settlement; foothold.“As soon as he had obtained a footing at court, the charms of his manner . . . made him a favorite.” — Macaulay.
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3.
Relative condition; state.“Lived on a footing of equality with nobles.” — Macaulay.
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4.
Tread; step; especially, measured tread.“Hark, I hear the footing of a man.” — Shak.
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5.
The act of adding up a column of figures; the amount or sum total of such a column.
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6.
The act of putting a foot to anything; also, that which is added as a foot; as, the footing of a stocking.
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7.
A narrow cotton lace, without figures.
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8.
The finer refuse part of whale blubber, not wholly deprived of oil.
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9.
The thickened or sloping portion of a wall, or of an embankment at its foot.(Arch. & Enging.)
Phrases & compounds
Footing course —
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.
Footing beam —
the tie beam of a roof.