Ba"sis (bā"s&ibreve;s), n.; pl. Bases (-sēz). [L. basis, Gr. ba`sis. See Base, n.]
1. The foundation of anything; that on which a thing rests. Dryden.
2. The pedestal of a
column, pillar, or statue. [Obs.]
If no basis bear my rising name.
Pope.
3. The groundwork; the first or fundamental principle;
that which supports.
The basis
of public credit is good faith.
A. Hamilton.
4.
The principal component part of a thing.
Hear it pronounced