fecundation

n. [ Cf. F. fécondation. ] (Biol.) The act by which, either in animals or plants, material prepared by the generative organs the female organism is brought in contact with matter from the organs of the male, so that a new organism results; impregnation; fertilization. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. fondation, L. fundatio. See Found to establish. ] 1. The act of founding, fixing, establishing, or beginning to erect. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. That upon which anything is founded; that on which anything stands, and by which it is supported; the lowest and supporting layer of a superstructure; groundwork; basis. [ 1913 Webster ]

Behold, I lay in Zion, for a foundation, a stone . . . a precious corner stone, a sure foundation. Is. xxviii. 16. [ 1913 Webster ]

The foundation of a free common wealth. Motley. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Arch.) The lowest and supporting part or member of a wall, including the base course (see Base course (a), under Base, n.) and footing courses; in a frame house, the whole substructure of masonry. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. A donation or legacy appropriated to support a charitable institution, and constituting a permanent fund; endowment. [ 1913 Webster ]

He was entered on the foundation of Westminster. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. That which is founded, or established by endowment; an endowed institution or charity; as, the Ford Foundation. [ 1913 Webster ]

Against the canon laws of our foundation. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

Foundation course. See Base course, under Base, n. --
Foundation muslin, an open-worked gummed fabric used for stiffening dresses, bonnets, etc. --
Foundation school, in England, an endowed school. --
To be on a foundation, to be entitled to a support from the proceeds of an endowment, as a scholar or a fellow of a college. [ 1913 Webster ]