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That which forms the foundation or support of anything; the basis; the essential or fundamental part; first principle. Dryden.

Fig.: The fundamental or essential part of a thing; the essential principle; a groundwork.

upon which anything rests or is founded, in a literal or a figurative sense; foundation; groundwork.

tands, and by which it is supported; the lowest and supporting layer of a superstructure; groundwork; basis. Behold, I lay in Zion, for a foundation, a stone . . . a precious corner stone, a sure foundation. Is. xxviii. 16. The foundation of a free common wealth. Motley.

A leading or primary principle, rule, law, or article, which serves as the groundwork of a system; essential part, as, the fundamentals of the Christian faith.

Expressing gratulation or joy; congratulatory. The usual groundwork of such gratulatory odes. Bp. Horsley.

The act, method, or process of laying a groundwork or foundation; hence, elementary instruction; the act or process of applying a ground, as of color, to wall paper, cotton cloth, etc.; a basis.

lay within; hence, to insert, as pieces of pearl, iviry, choice woods, or the like, in a groundwork of some other material; to form an ornamental surface; to diversify or adorn with insertions. Look,how the floor of heaven Is thick inlaid with patines of bright gold. Shak. But these things are . . . borrowed by the mo…

An under structure; a foundation; groundwork.