Definition of "base-line" [base-line]

• A line adopted as a base or foundation from which future operations are carried on, or on which they depend or rest. (noun)
• A line traced round a cannon behind the vent. (noun)
• In the game of lawn-tennis, the end line of the court; the line from which the player serves the ball. (noun)
• In base-ball, the line connecting one base with the next. (noun)

The Century Dictionary (Public Domain)

• "Under the proposal, the eight largest U.S. banks would face a so-called capital surcharge of between 1% and 2.5% of their "risk-weighted assets," above a base-line level, as agreed to by international regulators in Basel, Switzerland."
• "That's the base-line mistake when any relationship fails, and there's nothing "too perfect" about it."
• "As a base-line projection, the report assumes that the coordinated central bank effort to prevent a sovereign-debt crisis has put a stop to the panic, but failed "to completely eradicate market concerns.""