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; underbuilding.
n (architecture) The lowest and supporting part or member of a wall, including the base course 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.