n. & v.
n. 1 a permanent stock of something ready to be drawn upon (a fund of knowledge; a fund of tenderness). 2 a stock of money, esp. one set apart for a purpose. 3 (in pl.) money resources. 4 (in pl.; prec. by the) Brit. the stock of the National Debt (as a mode of investment).
v.tr. 1 provide with money. 2 convert (a floating debt) into a more or less permanent debt at fixed interest. 3 put into a fund. fund-raiser a person who seeks financial support for a cause, enterprise, etc. fund-raising the seeking of financial support. in funds colloq. having money to spend.
[ L fundus bottom, piece of land ]