n.
Pronunciation: ' fo ̇ r-m ə r
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from forme first, from Old English forma ― more at FOREMOST
Date: 12th century
1 a : coming before in time b : of, relating to, or occurring in the past < former correspondence>
2 : preceding in place or arrangement : FOREGOING <the former part of the chapter>
3 : first in order of two or more things cited or understood <of the two given, the former spelling is more common> <of the two spellings, the former is more common>
4 : having been previously : ONETIME <a former athlete>
synonyms see PRECEDING