, a. comp. deg.

1. Before in time; preceding another or something else in order of time; opposed to latter.

Her former husband, who sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled. Deu 24.

2. Past, and frequently ancient, long past.

For inquire,I pray thee, of the former age. Job 8.

3. Near the beginning; preceding; as the former part of a discourse or argument.

4. Mentioned before another.

A bad author deserves better usage than a bad critic; a man may be the former merely through the misfortune of want of judgment; but he cannot be the latter without both that and an ill temper.