former: Meaning and Definition of

for•mer

1. preceding in time; prior or earlier: during a former stage in the proceedings.
2. past, long past, or ancient: in former times.
3. preceding in order; being the first of two: Our former manufacturing process was too costly.
4. being the first mentioned of two (distinguished from latter): The former suggestion was preferred to the latter.
5. having once, or previously, been; erstwhile: a former president.

form•er

1. a person or thing that forms or serves to form.
2. a pupil in a particular form or grade, esp. in a British secondary school: fifth formers.