GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Former , n.
   One who forms; a maker; a creator.
   1913 Webster
   (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.
   1913 Webster
         
       

2.       
   Former , a. [A compar. due to OE. formest. See Foremost.]
    Preceding in order of time; antecedent; previous; prior; earlier; hence, ancient; long past.
   1913 Webster
   For inquire, I pray thee, of the former age.
   Job. viii. 8.
   
   1913 Webster
   The latter and former rain.
   Hosea vi. 3.
   
   1913 Webster
   Near the beginning; preceeding; as, the former part of a discourse or argument.
   1913 Webster
   Earlier, as between two things mentioned together; first mentioned.
   1913 Webster
   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.
   1913 Webster