of grind-the surface of the earth; the outer crust of the globe, or some indefinite portion of it.-a floor or pavement supposed to rest upon the earth.-any definite portion of the earth's surface; region; territory; country. hence: a territory appropriated to, or resorted to, for a particular purpose; the field or place of action; as, a hunting or fishing ground; a play ground.-land; estate; possession; field; esp. (pl.), the gardens, lawns, fields, etc., belonging to a homestead; as, the grounds of the estate are well kept.-the basis on which anything rests; foundation. hence: the foundation of knowledge, belief, or conviction; a premise, reason, or datum; ultimate or first principle; cause of existence or occurrence; originating force or agency; as, the ground of my hope.-that surface upon which the figures of a composition are set, and which relieves them by its plainness, being either of one tint or of tints but slightly contrasted with one another; as, crimson bowers on a white ground.-in sculpture, a flat surface upon which figures are raised in relief.-in point lace, the net of small meshes upon which the embroidered pattern is applied; as, brussels ground. see brussels lace, under brussels.-a gummy composition spread over the surface of a metal to be etched, to prevent the acid from eating except where an opening is made by the needle.-one of the pieces of wood, flush with the plastering, to which moldings, etc., are attached; -- usually in the plural.-a composition in which the bass, consisting of a few bars of independent notes, is continually repeated to a varying melody.-the tune on which descants are raised; the plain song.-a conducting connection with the earth, whereby the earth is made part of an electrical circuit.-sediment at the bottom of liquors or liquids; dregs; lees; feces; as, coffee grounds.-the pit of a theater.-to lay, set, or run, on the ground.-to found; to fix or set, as on a foundation, reason, or principle; to furnish a ground for; to fix firmly.-to instruct in elements or first principles.-to connect with the ground so as to make the earth a part of an electrical circuit.-to cover with a ground, as a copper plate for etching (see ground, n., 5); or as paper or other materials with a uniform tint as a preparation for ornament.-to run aground; to strike the bottom and remain fixed; as, the ship grounded on the bar.-imp. & p. p. of grind.