Obs. Also 6 formour. [ad. OF. formoir chisel, f. form-er to FORM; subsequently altered into fermoir: see FIRMER.]
A kind of chisel or gouge, used by carpenters and masons (see quot. 1688; the description may have been influenced by false etymology).
1530. Palsgr., 222/1. Formour or grublyng yron.
1533. T. Wilson, Rhet., 83. The Mason [hath] his Former, and his Plaine, and euery one accordyng to his callyng frameth thynges thereafter.
1688. R. Holme, Armoury, III. viii. 353. The second is termed a Former, it is a Chissel used before the Paring Chissel in all works. Ibid., ix. § 142. The Clenser, or Former, is a broad ended Iron Plate, or Old [? Cold] Chessel, with a broad bottom, set in an Handle; with which Tool they smooth and make even the Stone after it is cut into that form and Order, as the Work-man will have it.
1727–51. Chambers Cycl. s.v. Chissel…. The Chissels used in carpentry and joinery, are, 1. The Former, which is used first of all before the paring-Chissel, and just after the work is scribed.
