FORM, in physics, the essential or distinguishing modification of the matter whereof a natural body is composed, so as thereby to give it such a particular manner of existence; being that which constitutes it such a particular body, and distinguishes it from every other body.
Form is also used, in a moral sense, for the manner of being or doing a thing according to rules: thus we say, a form of government, a form of argument, &c.
Form, in law, the rules established and requisite to be observed in legal proceedings.—The formal part of the law, or method of proceeding, cannot be altered but by parliament; for if once these outworks were demolished, there would be an inlet to all manner of innovation in the body of the law itself.
Form, in carpentry, is used to denote the long seats or benches in the choirs of churches or in schools, for the priests, prebends, religious, or scholars, to sit on. At schools, the word forma is frequently applied to what is otherwise termed a class. See CLASS.
Form also denotes the external appearance or surface of a body, or the disposition of its parts, as to the length, breadth, and thickness.
Form is also used, among mechanics, for a sort of mould whereon any thing is fashioned or wrought.
Printer's Form, an assemblage of letters, words, and lines, ranged in order, and so disposed into pages by the compositor; from which, by means of ink and a press, the printed sheets are drawn.
Every form is enclosed in an iron-chase, wherein it
is firmly locked by a number of pieces of wood; some long and narrow, and others of the form of wedges. There are two forms required for every sheet, one for each side; and each form consists of more or fewer pages, according to the size of the book.
Hatters Form, is a large block or piece of wood, of a cylindrical figure; the top thereof rounded, and the bottom quite flat. Its use is, to mould or fashion the crown of the hat, after the matter thereof has been beaten and filled.
Papermakers Form, is the frame or mould wherein the sheets are fashioned. See PAPER.