vbl. sb. [f. as prec.]
1. A support or prop; a supporting or sustaining structure. Also fig.
1388. Wyclif, Ezek. xli. 26. In the litle vndursettyngis of the porche.
c. 1440. Promp. Parv., 448/1. Schore, undur settynge of a thynge þat wolde falle, suppositorium.
1587. Golding, De Mornay, ix. 149. Their opinion was, that God was afore the World, howbeit not in time, but in order and by way of vndersetting only.
1624. Wotton, Archit., 32. They haue all their Vnder-settings, or Pedistals, in height a third part of the whole Columne.
1841. Penny Cycl., XIX. 253/1. The rock was supported by an under-setting of masonry.
2. The action of placing under, or of supporting by something placed under; underpinning.
c. 1440. Promp. Parv., 511/2. Vndersettynge, idem quod vnderputtynge.
1598. Florio, Soggiontione, an vndersetting or ioining vnderneath.
1842. Francis, Dict. Arts, Undersetting, the supporting a wall or edifice … after the lower part has been removed.
