undergirding

verb (used with object), un·der·gird·ed or un·der·girt, un·der·gird·ing.

1. to strengthen; secure, as by passing a rope or chain under and around: to undergird a top-heavy load.
2. to give fundamental support; provide with a sound or secure basis: ethics undergirded by faith.

verb -girds, -girding, -girded or -girt

1. (tr) to strengthen or reinforce by passing a rope, cable, or chain around the underside of (an object, load, etc)

v.1520s, from under + gird (v.). Related: Undergirded; undergirding.