Re*form" (r?*f?rm"), v. t. [F.
réformer, L. reformare; pref. re- re- +
formare to form, from forma form. See Form.]
To put into a new and improved form or condition; to restore to a
former good state, or bring from bad to good; to change from worse to
better; to amend; to correct; as, to reform a profligate man;
to reform corrupt manners or morals.
The example alone of a vicious prince will corrupt an
age; but that of a good one will not reform it.
Swift.
Syn. -- To amend; correct; emend; rectify; mend; repair;
better; improve; restore; reclaim.
Re*form", n. [F. réforme.]
Amendment of what is defective, vicious, corrupt, or depraved;
reformation; as, reform of elections; reform of
government.
Civil service reform. See under
Civil. -- Reform acts (Eng.
Politics), acts of Parliament passed in 1832, 1867, 1884,
1885, extending and equalizing popular representation in
Parliament. -- Reform school, a school
established by a state or city government, for the confinement,
instruction, and reformation of juvenile offenders, and of young
persons of idle, vicious, and vagrant habits. [U. S.]
Syn. -- Reformation; amendment; rectification; correction.
See Reformation.
Re*form", v. i. To return to a good
state; to amend or correct one's own character or habits; as, a man of
settled habits of vice will seldom reform.