Basis \Ba"sis\, n.; pl. Bases. [L. basis, Gr. ?. See Base, n.]

1. The foundation of anything; that on which a thing rests. --Dryden.

2. The pedestal of a column, pillar, or statue. [Obs.]

If no basis bear my rising name. --Pope.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)