FORMERLY

once, formerly, at one time, erstwhile, erst

(adverb) at a previous time; “at one time he loved her”; “her erstwhile writing”; “she was a dancer once”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Adverb

formerly (not comparable)

at some time in the past

previously; once

Source: Wiktionary

For"mer*ly, adv.

Definition: In time past, either in time immediately preceding or at any indefinite distance; of old; heretofore.

FORMER

Form"er, n.

1. One who forms; a maker; a creator.

2. (Mech.) (a) A shape around which an article is to be shaped, molded, woven wrapped, pasted, or otherwise constructed. (b) A templet, pattern, or gauge by which an article is shaped. (c) A cutting die.

For"mer, a. Etym: [A compar. due to OE. formest. See Foremost.]

1. Preceding in order of time; antecedent; previous; prior; earlier; hence, ancient; long past. For inquire, I pray thee, of the former age. Job. viii. 8. The latter and former rain. Hosea vi. 3.

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

3. Earlier, as between two things mentioned together; first mentioned. A bad author deserves better usage than a bad critic; a man may be the former merely through the misfortune of an ill judgment; but he can not be latter without both that and an ill temper. Pope.

Syn.

– Prior; previous; anterior; antecedent; preceding; foregoing.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition