Foot·ing, n.
1. Ground for the foot; place for the foot to rest on; firm foundation to stand on.
In ascent, every step gained is a footing and help to the next. --Holder.
2. Standing; position; established place; basis for operation; permanent settlement; foothold.
As soon as he had obtained a footing at court, the charms of his manner . . . made him a favorite. --Macaulay.
3. Relative condition; state.
Lived on a footing of equality with nobles. --Macaulay.
4. Tread; step; especially, measured tread.
Hark, I hear the footing of a man. --Shak.
5. The act of adding up a column of figures; the amount or sum total of such a column.
6. The act of putting a foot to anything; also, that which is added as a foot; as, the footing of a stocking.
7. A narrow cotton lace, without figures.
8. The finer refuse part of whale blubber, not wholly deprived of oil.
9. Arch. & Enging. The thickened or sloping portion of a wall, or of an embankment at its foot.
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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