Dictionary definitions
- Enter a word for the dictionary definition.
underpinning
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Underpinning \Un"der*pin`ning\, n.
1. The act of one who underpins; the act of supporting by
stones, masonry, or the like.
[1913 Webster]
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.]
[1913 Webster]
.
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]
