term:

Foundation

foundation n

1 : a basis upon which something stands or is supported
;specif
: a witness's preliminary testimony given to identify or explain evidence being offered at trial and establish its connection to the issue for which it is offered [the lack of any for the orthopedic surgeon's familiarity with the…standard of care rendered the surgeon's opinion testimony inadmissible "National Law Journal"] NOTE: Before evidence can be admitted at trial, the foundation for it must be laid by the party offering it. A foundation must also be laid for the qualification of a witness as an expert, or for the assertion of a privilege.
2 a : funds given for the permanent support of an institution
: endowment
b : an organization or institution established by endowment with provision for future maintenance
foun·da·tion·al adj

Source: Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©1996. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.