FORM
Form (form; in senses 8 & 9, often form in England), n. Etym: [OE. &
F. forme, fr. L. forma; cf. Skr. dhariman. Cf. Firm.]
1. The shape and structure of anything, as distinguished from the material of which it is composed; particular disposition or arrangement of matter, giving it individuality or distinctive character; configuration; figure; external appearance. The form of his visage was changed. Dan. iii. 19. And woven close close, both matter, form, and style. Milton.
2. Constitution; mode of construction, organization, etc.; system; as, a republican form of government.
3. Established method of expression or practice; fixed way of proceeding; conventional or stated scheme; formula; as, a form of prayer. Those whom form of laws Condemned to die. Dryden.
4. Show without substance; empty, outside appearance; vain, trivial, or conventional ceremony; conventionality; formality; as, a matter of mere form. Though well we may not pass upon his life Without the form of justice. Shak.
5. Orderly arrangement; shapeliness; also, comeliness; elegance;
beauty.
The earth was without form and void. Gen. i. 2.
He hath no form nor comeliness. Is. liii. 2.
6. A shape; an image; a phantom.
7. That by which shape is given or determined; mold; pattern; model.
8. A long seat; a bench; hence, a rank of students in a school; a class; also, a class or rank in society. "Ladies of a high form." Bp. Burnet.
9. The seat or bed of a hare. As in a form sitteth a weary hare. Chaucer.