Former \Form"er\, n.
   1. One who forms; a maker; a creator.
      
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   2. (Mech.)
      (a) A shape around which an article is to be shaped,
          molded, woven wrapped, pasted, or otherwise
          constructed.
      (b) A templet, pattern, or gauge by which an article is
          shaped.
      (c) A cutting die.
          
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Former \For"mer\, a. [A compar. due to OE. formest. See
   {Foremost}.]
   1. Preceding in order of time; antecedent; previous; prior;
      earlier; hence, ancient; long past.
      
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            For inquire, I pray thee, of the former age. --Job.
                                                  viii. 8.
      
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            The latter and former rain.           --Hosea vi. 3.
      
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   3. Near the beginning; preceeding; as, the former part of a
      discourse or argument.
      
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   3. Earlier, as between two things mentioned together; first
      mentioned.
      
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            A bad author deserves better usage than a bad
            critic; a man may be the former merely through the
            misfortune of an ill judgment; but he can not be
            latter without both that and an ill temper. --Pope.

   Syn: Prior; previous; anterior; antecedent; preceding;
        foregoing.
        
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