I. ˈtem-pər transitive verb
( tem·pered ; tem·per·ing -p(ə-)riŋ)
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English & Anglo-French; Old English temprian & Anglo-French temprer, from Latin temperare to moderate, mix, temper; probably akin to Latin tempor-, tempus time
Date: before 12th century
1. : to dilute, qualify, or soften by the addition or influence of something else : moderate
temper justice with mercy
2. archaic
a. : to exercise control over : govern , restrain
b. : to cause to be well disposed : mollify
temper ed and reconciled them both — Richard Steele
3. : to bring to a suitable state by mixing in or adding a usually 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 temper 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 -p(ə-)rə-bəl adjective
• tem·per·er -pər-ər noun
II. noun
Date: 14th century
1.
a. archaic : a suitable proportion or balance of qualities : a middle state between extremes : mean , medium
virtue is…a just temper between propensities — T. B. Macaulay
b. archaic : character , quality
the temper of the land you design to sow — John Mortimer
c. : characteristic tone : trend
the temper of the times
d. : high quality of mind or spirit : courage
2.
a. : the state of a substance with respect to certain desired qualities (as hardness, elasticity, or workability) ; especially : 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
c. : state of feeling or frame of mind at a particular time usually dominated by a single strong emotion
d. : heat of mind or emotion : proneness to anger : passion
she has a real temper
4. : a substance (as a metal) added to or mixed with something else (as another metal) to modify the properties of the latter
Synonyms: see disposition