(1):
(n.) A cutting die.
(2):
(n.) One who forms; a maker; a creator.
(3):
(n.) A shape around which an article is to be shaped, molded, woven wrapped, pasted, or otherwise constructed.
(4):
(n.) A templet, pattern, or gauge by which an article is shaped.
(5):
(a.) Earlier, as between two things mentioned together; first mentioned.
(6):
(a.) Preceding in order of time; antecedent; previous; prior; earlier; hence, ancient; long past.
(7):
(a.) Near the beginning; preceeding; as, the former part of a discourse or argument.