I. “+ transitive verb
Etymology: Latin praeformare, from prae- pre- + formare to form
1. : to form beforehand : shape previously
their natures and preformed faculties — Shakespeare
2. : to fix or determine the form of beforehand : predetermine
3. : to bring to approximate preliminary shape and size (as a gemstone before final cutting and polishing)
II. noun
: any of various objects of manufacture or handicraft after preliminary shaping: as
a. : a roughed-out gemstone
b. : biscuit 6a
c. : a tablet or roughly shaped unit of plastic molding composition that facilitates handling and weighing