Emily Dickinson Lexicon

base (-s), n. [Fr. < L. < Gk. 'that on which one steps or stands'.]

1. Bottom; foot; lower part; roots and trunk; [fig.] the horizon.
2. Foundation; footing; cornerstone; groundwork; substructure; stable support; secure platform for building; [fig.] grave; tomb; funeral vault; [fig.] axiom; creed; doctrine; law; principle.
3. Cover; film; layer.
4. End; conclusion; finale; [fig.] final show of color; warm spell in autumn; Indian summer.