Foundation /(?)/

Foun·da·tion

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.
    — Is. xxviii. 16.
    The foundation of a free common wealth.
  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.)
  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.

Phrases & Compounds
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.