FORMING is used for the act of giving being or birth to any thing.

The word is also simply used for giving the figure to any thing. The potter forms his vessels as he pleases. Geometry teaches how to form all kinds of figures.

It is likewise used for the producing of a thing: thus, the lineaments of the face began to be formed. FORMING of a Siege, is the making lines of circum- vallation to fortify the camp, and disposing things for the attack of a place in form.

They also say, to form a squadron or battalion; meaning to range the soldiers in form of a squadron, &c.

FORMING the Line, is drawing up infantry, cavalry, and artillery, into line of battle. See LINE.

FORMING is also used in grammar, in speaking of certain tenses of verbs, which are made from others by a change of certain letters. The present tense is formed from the infinitive. Compound and derivative words also, and even all that have any etymology, are said to be formed.