Former refers to something that is first in the order of two or more things. Latter refers to something that is either second in a group of two things or last in a group of several.

Is the former the first or second?

The terms former and latter are words used to distinguish between two things. Former directs us to the first of these two things, and latter directs us to the second (or last) of them. Do not use former or latter when you are writing about more than two things.

Does former Mean previous?

preceding in time; prior or earlier: during a former stage in the proceedings. past, long past, or ancient: in former times. preceding in order; being the first of two: Our former manufacturing process was too costly.

The definition of former is something that happened in the past or a previously held role. An example of former is a person who was once a policeman but is now retired. An example of former is the first thing mentioned in a serious of items.