ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
1. : a hold for the feet : a place where one may tread or stand : a stable position of the feet : footing
a layer of wooden planking … affording a safe foothold to the crew in wet weather
pine and balsam find a precarious foothold on the shaggy cliffs — American Guide Series: Minnesota
2. : a position providing a base for further efforts to advance (as in a military invasion)
effort to win a continental foothold — Collier's Year Book
settlers struggling to secure a foothold in the new country — American Guide Series: Oregon
3. : a light rubber overshoe or sandal with only a strap around the heel — called also tip