- An example of footing is how you place your feet while climbing a mountain.
- An example of footing is the basis for a relationship; to be on sound footing.
- Now Rare a moving on the feet; walking, dancing, etc.
- a secure placing of the feet: to lose one's footing
- the condition of a surface with regard to its suitability, for walking, running, etc.: poor footing following the rain
- a secure place to put the feet; foothold
- a position or basis: the business is on a sound footing
- a basis for relationship: a friendly footing, an equal footing
- the adding of a column of figures
- the sum obtained
- Archit. the projecting base or enlarged foundation put under a column, wall, etc. to spread its weight and prevent settling
Origin of footingMiddle English fotinge: see foot and amp; -ing
- Secure placement of the feet in standing or moving.
- a. A surface or its condition with respect to its suitability for walking or running, especially the condition of a racetrack.b. A secure place for the feet; a foothold.
- The act of moving on foot.
- Architecture The supporting base or groundwork of a structure, as for a monument or wall. Also called footer.
- A basis or foundation: a business begun on a good footing.
- a. Position or rank in relation to others; standing: Everyone began on an equal footing.b. Terms of social interaction: neighbors on a friendly footing.
- The act of making a foot for something, such as a stocking.
- The sum of a column of figures.
- A 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.
- A 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. Thomas Babington Macaulay.
- A relative condition; state.
- Lived on a footing of equality with nobles. Thomas Babington Macaulay.
- A tread; step; especially, measured tread.
- Hark, I hear the footing of a man. Shakespeare
- (now rare) A footprint or footprints; tracks, someone's trail.
- stability or balance when standing on one's feet
- The act of adding up a column of figures; the amount or sum total of such a column.
- The act of putting a foot to anything; also, that which is added as a foot; as, the footing of a stocking.
- A narrow cotton lace, without figures.
- The finer refuse part of whale blubber, not wholly deprived of oil. Simmonds.
- (architecture, engineering) The thickened or sloping portion of a wall, or of an embankment at its foot; foundation.
- (accounting) Double checking the numbers vertically.
- Present participle of foot.
foot + -ing