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.

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.

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 form is frequently applied to what is otherwise termed a class. See Class.