2.AdjectiveFirst of aforementioned two items. Used with the, often without a noun.
"The former is a good idea but the latter is not.; We have two cars, a red one and a blue one. We won the former on a game show.; Bananas are tastier than parsnips, but the latter’s nutritional value is higher than the former’s."
3.NounSomeone who forms something; a maker; a creator or founder.
"Dave was the former of the company."
4.NounAn object used to form something, such as a template, gauge, or cutting die.