n. & v.
--n.
1. habitual or temporary disposition of mind esp. as regards composure (a person of a placid temper).
2 irritation or anger (in a fit of temper).
3 a tendency to have fits of anger (have a temper).
4 composure or calmness (keep one's temper; lose one's temper).
5 the condition of metal as regards hardness and elasticity.
--v.tr.
1. bring (metal or clay) to a proper hardness or consistency.
2 (foll. by with) moderate or mitigate (temper justice with mercy).
3 tune or modulate (a piano etc.) so as to distance intervals correctly.
Phrases and idioms:
in a bad temper angry, peevish. in a good temper in an amiable mood. out of temper angry, peevish. show temper be petulant.
Derivatives:
temperable adj. temperative adj. tempered adj. temperedly adv. temperer n.
Etymology: OE temprian (v.) f. L temperare mingle: infl. by OF temprer, tremper