Following, n.
1. One's followers, adherents, or dependents, collectively. Macaulay.
2. Vocation; business; profession.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Following, a.
1. Next after; succeeding; ensuing; as, the assembly was held on the following day.
2. (Astron.)
(In the field of a telescope) In the direction from which stars are apparently moving (in consequence of the erth's rotation); as, a small star, north following or south following. In the direction toward which stars appear to move is called preceding.
Note: The four principal directions in the field of a telescope are north, south, following, preceding.
Shades of meaning
Fernald lists following only as an antonym, under previous.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.
Synonyms
none given