(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.