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

A templet, pattern, or gauge by which an article is shaped.

A type of mould or 3D pattern used to create a repeatable shape in any material that can be shaped on or around the Former.

pattern around which materials can be formed or shaped

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

Earlier, as between two things mentioned together; first mentioned.

the first of two or the first mentioned of two; "Tom and Dick were both heroes but only the former is remembered today"

referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several); "the novel was made into a film in 1943 and again in 1967; I prefer the former version to the latter one"