ppl. a. Of immaterial things: Based on good grounds, firmly founded, having a good basis or foundation.
c. 1369. [see WELL-FOUNDED].
1579. E. K., in Spenser’s Sheph. Cal., Ded. What in most English wryters vseth to be loose,… in this Authour is well grounded.
1611. A. Stafford, Niobe, I. 162. I would onely desire to see my natiue countrey voide of erronious doctrine, and flourish vnder a liuely, well grounded faith.
1644. (title) Humble Desires and Propositions for a Safe and Well-grounded Peace.
1648. [see GROUNDED 1 b].
1654. T. Brooks (title), Heaven on Earth, or a Serious Discourse touching a well-grounded Assurance of Mens Everlasting Happiness.
1671. T. Jordan, London’s Resurr., 11. A Vnion well-grounded no Malice can hurt.
1709. Berkeley, Ess. Vision, Ded. The great and well-grounded esteem I have conceived for you.
1753–4. Richardson, Grandison, I. xi. 60. No man … can be well-grounded in any branch of learning, who has not been at one of our famous Universities.
1776. Lowth, Larger Confut. Bp. Hare, 58. The whole of this evidence must be laid together, before we can … proceed to a well-grounded conclusion.
1837. Lockhart, Scott, II. ii. 38. His well-grounded knowledge of the jurisprudence of his country.
1840. Thirlwall, Greece, lvi. VII. 132. It was not through a paltry jealousy, but from a well-grounded anxiety.
1866. Lowell, Study Wind., Swinburne’s Trag. Indeed, we have some well-grounded doubts whether England [etc.].
1888. Anna K. Green, Behind Closed Doors, ii. To determine whether our fears are well-grounded.
