Ba″sis (bā″sĭs), n.; pl.Bases (–sēz). [L. basis, Gr. βάσισ. See Base, n.] 1. The foundation of anything; that on which a thing rests. Dryden.
2. The pedestal of a column, pillar, or statue.
If no basis bear my rising name.
Pope.
3. The groundwork; the first or fundamental principle; that which supports.
The basis of public credit is good faith.
A. Hamilton.
4. The principal component part of a thing.