Form"er (?), n.

1.

One who forms; a maker; a creator.

2. [Mechanic|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.

© [Webster 1913].

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.

For inquire, I pray thee, of the former age. Job. viii. 8.

The latter and former rain. Hosea vi. 3.

3.

Near the beginning; preceeding; as, the former part of a discourse or argument.

3.

Earlier, as between two things mentioned together; first mentioned.

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.

© [Webster 1913].

former (definition)