UNDERPINNING
UNDERPIN
underpin
(verb) support from beneath
corroborate, underpin, bear out, support
(verb) support with evidence or authority or make more certain or confirm; “The stories and claims were born out by the evidence”
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Verb
underpinning
present participle of underpin
Noun
underpinning (plural underpinnings)
A support or foundation, especially as a structure of masonry that supports a wall.
(metaphorical) A basis for something.
(figurative, humorous) The lower body or legs.
Source: Wiktionary
Un"der*pin`ning, n.
1. The act of one who underpins; the act of supporting by stones,
masonry, or the like.
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.]
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.
2. To support by some solid foundation; to place something underneath
for support.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition