Foundation
Foundation , noun
[French fondation, Latin fundatio. See Found to establish.]
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.
The foundation of a free common wealth.
3.
(Architecture) 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.
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.
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.
Collocations (4)
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.