The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Framework \Frame"work`\, n.
   1. The work of framing, or the completed work; the frame or
      constructional part of anything; as, the framework of
      society.
      [1913 Webster]

            A staunch and solid piece of framework. --Milton.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. Work done in, or by means of, a frame or loom.
      [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

framework
    n 1: a hypothetical description of a complex entity or process;
         "the computer program was based on a model of the
         circulatory and respiratory systems" [syn: model,
         theoretical account, framework]
    2: the underlying structure; "providing a factual framework for
       future research"; "it is part of the fabric of society" [syn:
       framework, fabric]
    3: a structure supporting or containing something

Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0:

60 Moby Thesaurus words for "framework":
   Anschauung, angle, angle of vision, basis, cadre, case, casement,
   casing, chassis, configuration, contour, delineation, doorframe,
   eye, fabric, features, figuration, figure, footing, frame,
   frame of reference, framing, gestalt, lattice, latticework, light,
   lineaments, lines, main features, mental outlook, outline, outlook,
   picture frame, place, point of view, position, profile,
   reference system, regard, relief, respect, sash, shapes, shell,
   side, sight, silhouette, situation, skeleton, slant, stand,
   standpoint, structure, system, tournure, universe, view, viewpoint,
   window case, window frame



The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (30 December 2018):

framework

   In object-oriented systems, a set of classes that embodies
   an abstract design for solutions to a number of related
   problems.

   (1995-01-30)