footing (n.)youdaoicibaDictYouDict[footing 词源字典]
late 13c., "a base, foundation;" late 14c., "position of the feet on the ground, stance," a gerundive formation from foot (n.). Figurative meaning "firm or secure position" is from 1580s; that of "condition on which anything is established" is from 1650s.[footing etymology, footing origin, 英语词源]