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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Underpinning \Un"der*pin`ning\, n.
1. The act of one who underpins; the act of supporting by
stones, masonry, or the like.
[1913 Webster]

2. (Arch.)
(a) That by which a building is underpinned; the material
and construction used for support, introduced beneath
a wall already constructed.
(b) The foundation, esp. of a frame house. [Local, U. S.]
[1913 Webster]


Underpin \Un`der*pin"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Underpinned}; p.
pr. & vb. n. {Underpinning}.]
1. To lay stones, masonry, etc., under, as the sills of a
building, on which it is to rest.
[1913 Webster]

2. To support by some solid foundation; to place something
underneath for support.
[1913 Webster]