1. (n.) One who forms; a maker; a creator.

2. (n.) A shape around which an article is to be shaped, molded, woven wrapped, pasted, or otherwise constructed.

3. (n.) A template, pattern, or gauge by which an article is shaped.

4. (n.) A cutting die.

5. (a.) Preceding in order of time; antecedent; previous; prior; earlier; hence, ancient; long past.

6. (a.) Near the beginning; preceding; as, the former part of a discourse or argument.

7. (a.) Earlier, as between two things mentioned together; first mentioned.