What is "stereobate"

Stereobate \Ste"re*o*bate\, n. [Gr. stereo`s solid + ? that treads or covers, akin to ? base; cf. F. st['e]r['e]obate.] (Arch.) The lower part or basement of a building or pedestal; -- used loosely for several different forms of basement.

n. 1 The foundation of a stone building 2 The steps of the platform beneath the stylobate