underpin

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)

underpin
    v 1: support from beneath
    2: support with evidence or authority or make more certain or
       confirm; "The stories and claims were born out by the
       evidence" [syn: {corroborate}, {underpin}, {bear out},
       {support}]

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Underpin \Un`der*pin"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Underpinned}; p.
   pr. & vb. n. {Underpinning}.]
   1. To lay stones, masonry, etc., under, as the sills of a
      building, on which it is to rest.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To support by some solid foundation; to place something
      underneath for support.
      [1913 Webster]