Fōōt'ing, n.
n. 1. Ground for the foot; place for the foot to rest on; firm foundation to stand on.
In ascents, every step gained is a footing and help to the next. Holder.
Sense 2. Firm position; established place; basis for operation; permanent settlement; foot-hold.
As soon as he had obtained a footing at court, the charms of his manner . . . made him a favorite. Macaulay.
Sense 3. Relative condition; state.
Lived on a footing of equality with nobles. Macaulay.
Sense 4. Tread; step; especially, tread to measure.
Hark, I hear the footing of a man. Shak.
Sense 5. The act of adding up a column of figures; the amount or sum total of such a column.
Sense 6. The act of putting a foot to any thing, or that which is added as a foot; as, the footing of a column or of a stocking.
Sense 7. A plain, cotton lace, without figures.
Sense 8. The finer refuse part of whale blubber, not wholly deprived of oil. Simmonds.
Sense 9. (Arch.) The broad foundation or base of a wall. Brande.
To pay footing, to pay a fee on first doing any thing, as working at a trade or in a ship. Wright.