Inform \In*form"\, a. [L. informis; pref. in- not + forma form, shape: cf. F. informe] Without regular form; shapeless; ugly; deformed. --Cotton.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Inform \In*form"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Informed; p. pr. & vb. n. Informing.]

[OE. enformen, OF. enformer, F. informer. L. informare; pref. in- in + formare to form, share, fr. forma form. See Form.]

1. To give form or share to; to give vital ororganizing power to; to give life to; to imbue and actuate with vitality; to animate; to mold; to figure; to fashion.

``The informing Word.'' --Coleridge.

Let others better mold the running mass Of metals, and inform the breathing brass. --Dryden.

Breath informs this fleeting frame. --Prior.

Breathes in our soul,informs our mortal part. --Pope.

2. To communicate knowledge to; to make known to; to acquaint; to advise; to instruct; to tell; to notify; to enlighten; -- usually followed by of.

For he would learn their business secretly, And then inform his master hastily. --Spenser.

I am informed thoroughky of the cause. --Shak.

3. To communicate a knowledge of facts to,by way of accusation; to warn against anybody.

Tertullus . . . informed the governor against Paul. --Acts xxiv. 1.

Syn: To acquaint; apprise; tell; teach; instruct; enlighten; animate; fashion.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Inform \In*form"\, v. t.

1. To take form; to become visible or manifest; to appear. [Obs.]

It is the bloody business which informs Thus to mine eyes. --Shak.

2. To give intelligence or information; to tell. --Shak.

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

To inform against, to communicate facts by way of accusation against; to denounce; as, two persons came to the magistrate, and informed against A.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)