Emily Dickinson Lexicon

BA'SIS, n. [plur. Bases. L. and Gr.; the same as Base, which see.]

1. The foundation of any thing; that on which a thing stands or lies; the bottom or foot of the thing itself, or that on which it rests. See a full explanation under Base.
2. The ground work or first principle; that which supports.
3. Foundation; support. The basis of public credit is good faith. – Hamilton. The basis of all excellence is truth. – Johnson.
4. Basis, in chimistry. See Base, No. 11.