of an earlier period; the first (mentioned) of two people or things
previous in time or order
Cases of word usage
1) a former GB coin worth one-quarter of a penny (farthing)
2) of a former age (olden)
3) to put (a person) in her or his former position (reinstate)
4) the act of reuniting or being reunited; a meeting of old friends, former colleagues etc after separation (reunion)
5) to return (to a former state, condition, topic etc); (of property rights etc) to return at some named time or under certain conditions (to the original owner) (revert)
6) a person who makes a voyage (especially a person who in former times explored unknown seas) (voyager)