KJV Dictionary Definition: inform

inform

INFORM', v.t. L. informo, to shape; in and formo, forma, form.

Properly, to give form or shape to, but in this sense not used.

1. To animate; to give life to; to actuate by vital powers.

Let others better mold the running mass

Of metals, and inform the breathing brass.

Breath informs this fleeting frame.

--Breathes in our soul, informs our vital part.

This use is chiefly or wholly poetical.

2. To instruct; to tell to; to acquaint; to communicate knowledge to; to make known to by word or writing; usually followed by of. Before we judge, we should be well informed of the facts relating to the case. A messenger arrived and informed the commander of the state of the troops. Letters from Europe inform us of the commencement of hostilities between the Persians and Turks.

3. To communicate a knowledge of facts to one by way of accusation.

Tertullus informed the governor against Paul. Acts.24.

In this application the verb is usually intransitive; as, A informed against B.

INFORM', v.i. To give intelligence.

He might either teach in the same manner, or inform how he had been taught--

To inform against, to communicate facts by way of accusation; to give intelligence of a breach of law. Two persons came to the magistrate, and informed against A.

INFORM', a. L. informis. Without regular form; shapeless; ugly.

informal

INFORM'AL, a. in and formal. Not in the regular or usual form; as an informal writing; informal proceedings.

1. Not in the usual manner; not according to custom; as an informal visit.

2. Not with the official forms; as the secretary made to the envoy an informal communication.

informality

INFORMAL'ITY, n. from informal. Want of regular or customary form. The informality of legal proceedings may render them void.

informally

INFORM'ALLY, adv. In an irregular or informal manner; without the usual forms.

informant

INFORM'ANT, n. One who informs, or gives intelligence.

1. One who offers an accusation. See Informer, which is generally used.

informative

INFORM'ATIVE, a. Having power to animate.

informed

INFORM'ED, pp. Told; instructed; made acquainted.

informer

INFORM'ER, n. One who animates, informs or gives intelligence.

1. One who communicates, or whose duty it is to communicate to a magistrate a knowledge of the violations of law, and bring the offenders to trial.

informing

INFORM'ING, ppr. Giving notice or intelligence; telling.

1. Communicating facts by way of accusation.

Informing officer, is an officer whose duty it is to inform against persons for breaches of law, as an attorney-general, a sheriff, constable, or grand juror.

A common informer, is any person who informs against another.

informity

INFORM'ITY, n. L. informis. Want of regular form; shapelessness.

informous

INFORM'OUS, a. L. informis. Of no regular form or figure; shapeless.

Definitions from Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828.
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