underpin

2 definitions found

underpin - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  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]

underpin - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  underpin
      v 1: support from beneath
      2: support with evidence or authority or make more certain or
         confirm; "The stories and claims were born out by the
         evidence" [syn: corroborate, underpin, bear out,
         support]