1. Plural of footstone; stones placed at the foot of a grave or burial site, often as a marker or memorial.
Usage: chiefly historical or regional; often used in pairs with headstones
2. Stones or rocks used as stepping stones or footholds, especially in climbing or crossing terrain.
Usage: informal; regional

Examples

• The old cemetery had both headstones and footstones marking each grave.
• Footstones at the base of the monument helped visitors navigate the uneven ground.
• She carefully placed her feet on the footstones to cross the rocky stream.
• The weathered footstones were barely visible beneath the moss and grass.
• Hikers used the natural footstones embedded in the cliff face to climb safely.
• The family placed matching footstones at the foot of their ancestor's burial plot.