01 n. The act of founding, fixing, establishing, or beginning to erect.
-
1.
The act of founding, fixing, establishing, or beginning to erect.
-
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.“Behold, I lay in Zion, for a foundation, a stone . . . a precious corner stone, a sure foundation.” — Is. xxviii. 16.“The foundation of a free common wealth.” — Motley.
-
3.
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.(Arch.) See: Base
-
4.
A donation or legacy appropriated to support a charitable institution, and constituting a permanent fund; endowment.“He was entered on the foundation of Westminster.” — Macaulay.
-
5.
That which is founded, or established by endowment; an endowed institution or charity; as, the Ford Foundation.“Against the canon laws of our foundation.” — Milton.
Phrases & compounds
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.