in Geometry, the lowest side of the perimeter of a figure: Thus, the base of the triangle may be said of any of its sides, but more properly of the lowest, or that which is parallel to the horizon. In rectang- led triangles, the base is properly that side opposite to the right angle.

**Base of a Solid Figure**, the lowest side, or that on which it stands.

**Base of a Conic Section**, a right line in the hyperbola and parabola, arising from the common intersection of the fecent plane and the base of the cone.

**Base, in Architecture**, is used for any body which bears another, but particularly for the lower part of a column and pedestal.—The ancients, in the early times of architecture, used no bases. The Doric columns in the temple of Minerva at Athens have none, but stand immediately upon the floor of the porch. Columns afterwards came to be supported on square pieces called plinths, and after that on pedestals. When we see a column, of whatsoever order, on a pedestal, the base is that part which comes between the top of the pedestal and the bottom of the shaft of the column; when there is no pedestal, it is the part between the bottom of the column and the plinth: some have included the plinth as a part of the base; but it is properly the piece on which the base stands, as the column stands upon that.—The pedestal also has its base as well as the column, and the pilaster. The base of columns is differently formed in the different orders; but in general it is composed of certain spires or circles, and was thence in early times called the *spire of a column*. These circles were in this case supposed to represent the folds of a drapery as it lies rolled up; but they are properly the representations of several larger and smaller rings or circles of iron, with which the trunk of trees, which were the ancient columns, were surrounded to prevent their bursting: these were rude and irregular, but the sculptor who imitated them in stone found the way to make them elegant.

**Base, in Fortification**, the exterior side of the polygon, or that imaginary line which is drawn from the flanked angle of a bastion to the angle opposite to it.

**Base, in Gunnery**, the least fort of ordnance, the diameter of whose bore is 1\(\frac{1}{2}\) inch, weight 200 pound, length 4 feet, load 5 pound, shot 1\(\frac{1}{2}\) pound weight, and diameter 1\(\frac{1}{2}\) inch.

**Base, in Chemistry.** See Basis.

**Base, in Law.** Base estate, such as base tenants have in their hands. Base tenure, the holding by villeinage, or other customary services; as distinguished from the higher tenures in capite, or by military service. Base fee, is to hold in fee at the will of the lord, as distinguished from socage tenure. Base court, any court not of record.

**Basella, Climbing Nightshade.** See Botany Index.

**Basement, in Architecture.** See Architecture.

**Basharians**, a sect of Mahometans, being a branch or subdivision of the Motazalites. The Basharians are those who maintain the tenets of Balhar Ebn Motamer, a principal man among the Motazalites, who varied, in some points, from the general tenets of the sect, as carrying man's free agency to a great length, and even to the making him independent.

**Bashaw**, a Turkish governor of a province, city, or other district.

A bashaw is made with the solemnity of carrying a flag or banner before him, accompanied with music and songs, by the miriaclem, an officer on purpose for the investiture of bashaws. Bashaw, used absolutely, denotes the prime vizier; the rest of the denomination being distinguished by the addition of the province, city, or the like, which they have the command of; as the bashaw of Egypt, of Palestine, &c. The bashaws are the emperor's sponges. We find loud complaints among Christians of their avarice and extortions. As they buy their governments, every thing is venal with them. When glutted with wealth, the emperor frequently makes them a present of a bow string, and becomes heir to all their spoils.

The appellation Bashaw is given by way of courtesy to almost every person of any figure at the grand inferior's court.

**Basil, St., the Great**, one of the most learned and eloquent doctors of the church, was born at Caesarea, in Cappadocia, about the year 328; and went to finish his studies at Athens, where he contracted a strict friendship with St Gregory Nazianzen. He returned to his native country in 355, where he taught rhetoric. Some time after, he travelled into Syria, Egypt, and Lybia, to visit the monasteries of these countries; and the monastic life so much suited his disposition, that upon his return home he resolved to follow it, and he was the first instructor thereof in Pontus and Cappadocia. His reputation became so great, that, upon the death of Euiebius bishop of Caesarea, in 379, he was chosen his successor. It was with some difficulty that he accepted of this dignity; and no sooner was he raised to it, than the emperor Valens began to persecute him because he refused to embrace the doctrine of the Arians. Being at length let alone, he began to use his utmost endeavours to bring about a reunion betwixt the eastern and western churches, who were then much divided about some points of faith, and in regard to Meletius and Paulinus two bishops of Antiochia. But all his efforts were ineffectual, this dispute not being terminated till nine months after his death. Basil had a share in all the disputes which happened in his time in the east in regard to the doctrine of the church; and died the first of January, 379.—There have been several editions of his works in Greek and Latin. The best is that of Father Garnier, printed in Greek and Latin, in three volumes folio. St Basil's style is pure and elegant, his expressions are grand and sublime, and his thoughts noble and full of majesty. Erasmus places him among the greatest orators of antiquity.

**Basil**, a canton of Switzerland, which joined the confederacy in 1501. It is bounded on the south by the canton of Solothurn; on the north by part of the margravate of Baden-Durlach, and the territory of Rheinfelden; on the east by Frickthal; and on the west by part of Solothurn, the diocese of Basil, and the Sundgau; being upwards of 20 miles in length, and about 18 in breadth. It is entirely protestant; and contains 27 parishes, and seven bailiwicks. The lower parts of it are fruitful in corn and wine, and also fit for pasture; but the mountains are extremely barren. Here are many medicinal springs and baths, and the air is wholesome and temperate. Both men and women for the most part wear the French dress; but the language commonly spoken is the High-Dutch, though the French... French is also much used. The government is aristocratical; and its revenues arise chiefly from secularized abbeys, and imposts on goods carried through the country, to and from France, Italy, and Germany. Besides the military establishment of the city of Basil, there are two provincial regiments, consisting each of ten companies, and a troop of dragoons.—The places of most note are Basil the capital, Wallenburg, St Jacob, Neue-Haus, &c.