FOUNDATION • DICTIONARY ONE.COM • Definition of Foundation

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/faʊndˈeɪʃən/ Listen

noun

Foundation n.

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.

(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.

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."

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.

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Etymology of 'Foundation'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Foundation" Quotes from Famous Books

... Tacitus calculated) 840 years, putting out new shoots, and presaging the translation of that empire from the Caesarian line, happening in Nero's reign."[33] But in other cases the estimates rest on a surer foundation, and it cannot be doubted that there are trees still living which were already of considerable size at the time of the Conquest. The Soma Cypress of Lombardy, which is 120 feet high and 23 in circumference, is calculated to go back to forty years before the birth ...

— The Beauties of Nature - and the Wonders of the World We Live In • Sir John Lubbock

... rule all creatures with the rod of chastisement. Men possessed of learning and knowledge of truth applaud Chastisement. Hence, of the four requisites of rule, viz., Conciliation, Gift, Disunion, and Chastisement, Chastisement is said to be the foremost. When the foundation of that which serves for a refuge is cut away, all the refugees perish. When the roots of a tree are cut away, how would the branches live? A king possessed of wisdom should cut away the very roots of his foe. He should then win over and bring under his sway ...

— The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 3 - Books 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 • Unknown

... have been written without any acquaintance with the works he has so maliciously criticised. In his account of Sidney he had silently passed over the "Defence of Poetry;" and in his second edition has written this avowal, that "he had forgotten it; a proof that I at least did not think it sufficient foundation for so high a character as he acquired." How heartless was the polished cynicism which could dare to hazard this false criticism! Nothing can be more imposing than his volatile and caustic criticisms on the works of James I., yet ...

— Calamities and Quarrels of Authors • Isaac D'Israeli

... the whole road was formed in the same manner. This they found was called a plank road. How the machines could hold together, or the limbs of the occupants escape dislocation, seemed surprising as they surged over the first-mentioned style of road. Now and then the foundation of the road was of rock; and this though even rougher, caused no fear of its letting the carriages sink through. Here and there gravel appeared and allowed of firm footing; but the worst parts of all were those undelightful ...

— The Log House by the Lake - A Tale of Canada • William H. G. Kingston

... woman—would understand some things which even the good husband could not grasp. In the happy, easy days of prosperity, Rowena could always be relied on to be loving, dutiful, and considerate—it was a shock to discover that these good qualities had not enough foundation to withstand the test of adversity. Mrs Saxon was not angry; only distressed and troubled afresh, and overwhelmingly anxious to find the right way to her ...

— Etheldreda the Ready - A School Story • Mrs. George de Horne Vaizey

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