from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Footing \Foot"ing\, n.
1. Ground for the foot; place for the foot to rest on; firm
foundation to stand on.
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In ascent, every step gained is a footing and help
to the next. --Holder.
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2. Standing; position; established place; basis for
operation; permanent settlement; foothold.
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As soon as he had obtained a footing at court, the
charms of his manner . . . made him a favorite.
--Macaulay.
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3. Relative condition; state.
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Lived on a footing of equality with nobles.
--Macaulay.
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4. Tread; step; especially, measured tread.
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Hark, I hear the footing of a man. --Shak.
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5. The act of adding up a column of figures; the amount or
sum total of such a column.
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6. The act of putting a foot to anything; also, that which is
added as a foot; as, the footing of a stocking.
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7. A narrow cotton lace, without figures.
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8. The finer refuse part of whale blubber, not wholly
deprived of oil. --Simmonds.
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9. (Arch. & Enging.) The thickened or sloping portion of a
wall, or of an embankment at its foot.
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{Footing course} (Arch.), one of the courses of masonry at
the foot of a wall, broader than the courses above.
{To pay one's footing}, to pay a fee on first doing anything,
as working at a trade or in a shop. --Wright.
{Footing beam}, the tie beam of a roof.
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