(n.) The act of founding, fixing, establishing, or beginning
to erect.
(n.) 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.
(n.) 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.
(n.) A donation or legacy appropriated to support a
charitable institution, and constituting a permanent fund; endowment.
(n.) That which is founded, or established by endowment; an
endowed institution or charity.
