The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Foundation \Foun*da"tion\, n. [F. fondation, L. fundatio. See
   Found to establish.]
   1. The act of founding, fixing, establishing, or beginning to
      erect.
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   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.
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            Behold, I lay in Zion, for a foundation, a stone . .
            . a precious corner stone, a sure foundation. --Is.
                                                  xxviii. 16.
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            The foundation of a free common wealth. --Motley.
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   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.
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   4. A donation or legacy appropriated to support a charitable
      institution, and constituting a permanent fund; endowment.
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            He was entered on the foundation of Westminster.
                                                  --Macaulay.
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   5. That which is founded, or established by endowment; an
      endowed institution or charity; as, the Ford Foundation.
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            Against the canon laws of our foundation. --Milton.
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   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.
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