/in tem"peuhr euhns, -preuhns/ , n.
1. excessive or immoderate indulgence in alcoholic beverages.
2. excessive indulgence of appetite or passion.
3. lack of moderation or due restraint, as in action or speech.
4. an act or instance of any of these: a long series of intemperances.
[ 1400-50; late ME intemperantia. See IN- 3 , TEMPERANCE ]