foundation \founda"tion\, n. f. fondation, l. fundatio. see
   found to establish.
   1. the act of founding, fixing, establishing, or beginning to
      erect.
      1913 webster

   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.
      1913 webster

            behold, i lay in zion, for a foundation, a stone . .
            . a precious corner stone, a sure foundation. --is.
                                                  xxviii. 16.
      1913 webster

            the foundation of a free common wealth. --motley.
      1913 webster

   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.
          1913 webster

   4. a donation or legacy appropriated to support a charitable
      institution, and constituting a permanent fund; endowment.
      1913 webster

            he was entered on the foundation of westminster.
                                                  --macaulay.
      1913 webster

   5. that which is founded, or established by endowment; an
      endowed institution or charity; as, the ford foundation.
      1913 webster

            against the canon laws of our foundation. --milton.
      1913 webster

   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.
      1913 webster
see also:
found base course base foundation course foundation muslin foundation school 
to be on a foundation