[tem.per] vt tem.pered ; tem.per.ing [ME, fr. OE & OF; OE temprian & OF temprer, fr. L temperare to moderate, mix, temper; prob. akin to L tempor-, tempus time] (bef. 12c) 1: to dilute, qualify, or soften by the addition or influence of something else: moderate "~ justice with mercy"
2. archaic a: to exercise control over: govern, restrain b: to cause to be well disposed: mollify "~ed and reconciled them both --Richard Steele"
3: to bring to a suitable state by mixing in or adding a usu. liquid ingredient: as a: to mix (clay) with water or a modifier (as grog) and knead to a uniform texture b: to mix oil with (colors) in making paint ready for use
4. a (1): to soften (as hardened steel or cast iron) by reheating at a lower temperature (2): to harden (as steel) by reheating and cooling in oil b: to anneal or toughen (glass) by a process of gradually heating and cooling
5: to make stronger and more resilient through hardship: toughen "troops ~ed in battle"
6. a: to put in tune with something: attune b: to adjust the pitch of (a note, chord, or instrument) to a temperament -- tem.per.able adj -- tem.per.er n
[2]temper n (14c) 1 a archaic: a suitable proportion or balance of qualities: a middle state between extremes: mean, medium "virtue is ... a just ~ between propensities --T. B. Macaulay" b archaic: character, quality "the ~ of the land you design to sow --John Mortimer" c: characteristic tone: trend, tendency "the ~ of the times" d: high quality of mind or spirit: courage, mettle
2. a: the state of a substance with respect to certain desired qualities (as hardness, elasticity, or workability); esp: the degree of hardness or resiliency given steel by tempering b: the feel and relative solidity of leather 3 a: a characteristic cast of mind or state of feeling: disposition b: calmness of mind: composure, equanimity c: state of feeling or frame of mind at a particular time usu. dominated by a single strong emotion d: heat of mind or emotion: proneness to anger: passion
4: a substance (as a metal) added to or mixed with something else (as another metal) to modify the properties of the latter syn see disposition