Noah Webster
Basis
BA'SIS, noun plural bases. [Latin and Gr.; the same as base, which see.]
1. The foundation of any thing; that on which a thing stands or lies; the bottom or foot of the thing itself, or that on which it rests. See a full explanation under base.
2. The ground work or first principle; that which supports.
3. Foundation; support.
The basis of public credit is good faith.
The basis of all excellence is truth.
4. basis in chimistry. See Base. No. 12.