latter

The later is the latter. For example, the latter of "former and latter" is latter, because it's later, and the latter of "latter and former", is former, also because it's later. To sum it up: In the latter example, former is latter and latter is former, and in the former example, latter is latter and former is former.

There. Did that clear things up? ;)

Lat"ter (?), a. [OE. later, laetter, compar. of lat late. See Late, and cf. Later.]

1.

Later; more recent; coming or happening after something else; -- opposed to former; as, the former and latter rain.

2.

Of two things, the one mentioned second.

The difference between reason and revelation, and in what sense the latter is superior. I. Watts.

3.

Recent; modern.

Hath not navigation discovered in these latter ages, whole nations at the bay of Soldania? Locke.

4.

Last; latest; final.

[R.] "My latter gasp."

Shak.

Latter harvest, the last part of the harvest. -- Latter spring, the last part of the spring of the year. Shak.

 

© Webster 1913.