Source: The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Framework \Frame"work`\, n.
1. The work of framing, or the completed work; the frame or
constructional part of anything; as, the framework of
society.
[1913 Webster]
A staunch and solid piece of framework. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]
2. Work done in, or by means of, a frame or loom.
[1913 Webster]
framework
n 1: a hypothetical description of a complex entity or process;
"the computer program was based on a model of the
circulatory and respiratory systems" [syn: model,
theoretical account, framework]
2: the underlying structure; "providing a factual framework for
future research"; "it is part of the fabric of society" [syn:
framework, fabric]
3: a structure supporting or containing something