In various immaterial applications. That on which a system, work, institution, art, or condition of things, is founded; the basis, foundation…

That on which a quality (esp. a virtue or vice) is founded or established, frequently with reference to its hold upon a person.

gen. Something that underlies or provides support; a basis, foundation; a ground, cause. Obsolete.

A fundamental principle, a basis; a ground or underlying reason. In early use also: an origin or source; a cause.

figurative. A basis or groundwork on which something (immaterial) is raised or by which it is supported or confirmed; an underlying ground or…

Foundation, origin.

The underlying basis or foundation of an idea, argument, etc. Now rare or merged with sense 16.

figurative and in figurative contexts, esp. with reference to the use of an anvil as a block on which something is forged or shaped.

(a) an underlying reason or principle; a basis or foundation (now rare); (b) literal low-lying land, esp. a stretch of level land near a river; =…

figurative. The basis or foundation of something immaterial.

The footing, understanding, or basis on which something is established or operates; = footing, n. 16. In later use frequently with adjective…

figurative. The ground, foundation, or basis of an action, event, calculation, condition, etc. Now also: a position achieved or situation brought…

Basis, foundation; = hypostasis, n. 2. Obsolete.

The ground, basis, or source of something. Obsolete.

(a) a first coating of paint (cf. 6b); (b) the prevailing colour of any object, diversified with markings of other colours.

That by or on which anything immaterial is supported or sustained; a foundation, support

An underlying principle on which something is based; a basis, a foundation, a bedrock.

figurative. An underlying or essential element of something complex.

figurative and in figurative contexts. A basis, a footing.

A foundation, base, or ground. Obsolete.

A subdivision of a root, a small root or rootlet; occasionally of a twig.

Basis, foundation; = fond, n.2 1a. Obsolete.

Basis, foundation.

figurative. A basis, foundation. Now rare.

(a) a basis from which something (e.g. a sequence of events or an argument) starts; (b) the place where those taking part in a race, hunt, etc…

Basis, foundation; = fund, n.1 5. Obsolete. rare.