Footing

Foot·ing

Footing

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.
  3. Relative condition; state.
    Lived on a footing of equality with nobles.
  4. Tread; step; especially, measured tread.
    Hark, I hear the footing of a man.
  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. The thickened or sloping portion of a wall, or of an embankment at its foot. (Arch. & Enging.)

Phrases & Compounds
Footing course
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.
Footing beam
the tie beam of a roof.