the act of founding, fixing, establishing, or beginning to erect.-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.-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.-a donation or legacy appropriated to support a charitable institution, and constituting a permanent fund; endowment.-that which is founded, or established by endowment; an endowed institution or charity.