/tem"pist/ , n.
1. a violent windstorm, esp. one with rain, hail, or snow.
2. a violent commotion, disturbance, or tumult.
3. tempest in a teacup . See teacup (def. 3).
v.t.
4. to affect by or as by a tempest; disturb violently.
[ 1200-50; ME tempeste tempesta, for L tempestas season, weather, storm, equiv. to tempes- (var. s. of tempus time) + -tas -TY 2 ]