/lat"euhr/ , adj.
1. being the second mentioned of two (distinguished from former ): I prefer the latter offer to the former one.
2. more advanced in time; later: in these latter days of human progress.
3. near or comparatively near to the end: the latter part of the century.
4. Obs. last; final.
[ bef. 1000; ME latt ( e ) re, OE laetra, comp. of laet LATE ]