Foundation course

Foundation Foun*da"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]