'To be on a foundation' definitions:

Definition of 'To be on a foundation'

From: GCIDE
  • 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]