n. 1. Ground for the foot; place for the foot to rest on; firm foundation to stand on. [ 1913 Webster ] In ascent, every step gained is a footing and help to the next. Holder. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Standing; position; established place; basis for operation; permanent settlement; foothold. [ 1913 Webster ] As soon as he had obtained a footing at court, the charms of his manner . . . made him a favorite. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Relative condition; state. [ 1913 Webster ] Lived on a footing of equality with nobles. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. Tread; step; especially, measured tread. [ 1913 Webster ] Hark, I hear the footing of a man. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. The act of adding up a column of figures; the amount or sum total of such a column. [ 1913 Webster ] 6. The act of putting a foot to anything; also, that which is added as a foot; as, the footing of a stocking. [ 1913 Webster ] 7. A narrow cotton lace, without figures. [ 1913 Webster ] 8. The finer refuse part of whale blubber, not wholly deprived of oil. Simmonds. [ 1913 Webster ] 9. (Arch. & Enging.) The thickened or sloping portion of a wall, or of an embankment at its foot. [ 1913 Webster ]
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. [ 1913 Webster ]
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