Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Foothold \Foot"hold`\, n.
   A holding with the feet; firm standing; that on which one may
   tread or rest securely; footing. --L'Estrange.

Source : WordNet®

foothold
     n 1: an area in hostile territory that has been captured and is
          held awaiting further troops and supplies; "an attempt
          to secure a bridgehead behind enemy lines"; "the only
          foothold left for British troops in Europe was
          Gibraltar" [syn: {bridgehead}]
     2: a place providing support for the foot in standing or
        climbing [syn: {footing}]
     3: an initial accomplishment that opens the way for further
        developments; "the town became a beachhead in the campaign
        to ban smoking outdoors"; "they are presently attempting
        to gain a foothold in the Russian market" [syn: {beachhead}]