0 a large block of stone that is put in position at the start of work on a public building, often with a ceremony
Freedom of speech is the foundation stone of democracy.
I had followed in his footsteps by giving my native town a library—its foundation stone laid by my mother—so that this public library was really my first gift.
Of the house which he himself built, on a distant knoll of the home farm, nothing now remains but the cellar and foundation stones, near which is the well he dug, now choked with rubbish and overgrown with brambles.
The third treats of the ceremonies observed at laying the foundation stones of public structures.
To remove a foundation stone is a delicate and difficult operation.
With indefatigable perseverance he opened museums, laid the foundation stones of hospitals, made speeches to the Royal Agricultural Society, and attended meetings of the British Association.
