Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Foundation \Foun*da"tion\, n. [F. fondation, L. fundatio. See
   {Found} to establish.]
   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. --Motley.

   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.
                                                  --Macaulay.

   5. That which is founded, or established by endowment; an
      endowed institution or charity.

            Against the canon laws of our foundation. --Milton.

   {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.