Former
Former , noun
1.
One who forms; a maker; a creator.
2.
(a) (Mechanics) A shape around which an article is to be shaped, molded, woven wrapped, pasted, or otherwise constructed.
(b)
(Mechanics) A templet, pattern, or gauge by which an article is shaped.
(c)
(Mechanics) A cutting die.
Former , adjective
[A compar. due to Old English 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.
The latter and former rain.
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.