Lewis & Short

formātĭo, ōnis, f. [formo], a shaping, forming; a form, design, plan (post-Aug.).

  1. I. Lit.: formationem puto probandam, locum improbandum, Vitr. 2 praef.: oblonga fori, id. 5, 1: formationes columnarum, id. 4, 1.
  2. II. Trop.: morum, Sen. Ep. 117, 20.