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Webster 1913 Edition

Underpinning

Un′der-pinˊning

,
Noun.
1.
The act of one who underpins; the act of supporting by stones, masonry, or the like.
2.
(Arch.)
(a)
That by which a building is underpinned; the material and construction used for support, introduced beneath a wall already constructed.
(b)
The foundation, esp. of a frame house.
[Local, U. S.]

Webster 1828 Edition

Underpinning

UNDERPIN'NING

,
ppr.
Placing stones under the sills for support.

UNDERPIN'NING

, n.
1.
The act of laying stones under sills.
2.
The stones on which a building immediately rests.

Definition 2024

underpinning

underpinning

English

Verb

underpinning

  1. present participle of underpin

Noun

underpinning ‎(plural underpinnings)

  1. A support or foundation, especially as a structure of masonry that supports a wall.
    This house's underpinning is not up to standard.‎
  2. (figuratively) A basis for something.
    I would like to know more about the underpinning of this political theory.‎
  3. (figuratively) Legs, more generally.
    • 1913, Joseph C. Lincoln, chapter 1, in Mr. Pratt's Patients:
      Thinks I to myself, “Sol, you're run off your course again. This is a rich man's summer ‘cottage’ and if you don't look out there's likely to be some nice, lively dog taking an interest in your underpinning.”

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