What is "formers"

Usage examples of "formers".

Mark's School to assign first formers (freshmen) to share rooms with upperclassmen, the notion apparently being that the older boys could look out for, and set an example for, younger ones.

An exception was made for fourth formers (seniors), who could, if they wished, room with other fourth formers.

But first formers, without exception, were assigned to second formers.

Though second formers were supposed to hold themselves aloof from first formers, he had liked Jim Whittaker more than he liked the other two boys who shared their two-bedroom, one-bath apartment.

So, we must deal with spars, stringers, bulkheads, ribs, formers, longerons and leading edge strips, all of which have definitions unique to wooden airplanes (as opposed to boats and ships).