Bā'sis or BĀ'sēs, n.
n.; pl. BĀ'sēs. [Lat. basis, Gr. βάσις. See BASE.
Sense 1. The foundation of any thing; that on which a thing rests. Dryden.
Sense 2. (Arch.) The pedestal of a pillar or shaft. “If no basis bear my rising name.” Pope.
Sense 3. The groundwork or first principle; that which supports.
The basis of all excellence is truth. Johnson.
The basis of public credit is good faith. Hamilton.
Sense 4. (Pros.) The smallest trochaic rhythm.
Sense 5. The principal component part of a thing.