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
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.
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
2 April 2025
(adjective) secret or hidden; not openly practiced or engaged in or shown or avowed; “covert actions by the CIA”; “covert funding for the rebels”
The first coffee-house in Mecca dates back to the 1510s. The beverage was in Turkey by the 1530s. It appeared in Europe circa 1515-1519 and was introduced to England by 1650. By 1675 the country had more than 3,000 coffee houses, and coffee had replaced beer as a breakfast drink.
