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(), v. t.[imp. & p. p.Tempered (); p. pr. & vb. n.Tempering.] [AS. temprian or OF. temper, F. temprer, and (in sense 3) temper, L. temperare, akin to tempus time. Cf. Temporal, Distemper, Tamper.] 1. To mingle in due proportion; to prepare by combining; to modify, as by adding some new element; to qualify, as by an ingredient; hence, to soften; to mollify; to assuage; to soothe; to calm. Puritan austerity was so tempered by Dutch indifference, that mercy itself could not have dictated a milder system. Bancroft. Woman! lovely woman! nature made thee To temper man: we had been brutes without you. Otway. But thy fire Shall be more tempered, and thy hope far higher. Byron. She [the Goddess of Justice] threw darkness and clouds about her, that tempered the light into a thousand beautiful shades and colors. Addison. 2. To fit together; to adjust; to accomodate. Thy sustenance . . . serving to the appetite of the eater, tempered itself to every man's liking. Tem"per n. 1. The state of any compound substance which results from the mixture of various ingredients; due mixture of different qualities; just combination; as, the temper of mortar. 2. Constitution of body; temperament; in old writers, the mixture or relative proportion of the four humors, blood, choler, phlegm, and melancholy. The exquisiteness of his [Christ's] bodily temper increased the exquisiteness of his torment. Fuller. 3. Disposition of mind; the constitution of the mind, particularly with regard to the passions and affections; as, a calm temper; a hasty temper; a fretful temper. Remember with what mild And gracious temper he both heared and judged. Milton. The consequents of a certain ethical temper. J. H. Newman. 4. Calmness of mind; moderation; equanimity; composure; as, to keep one's temper. To fall with dignity, with temper rise. Pope. Restore yourselves to your tempers, fathers. B. Jonson. 5. Heat of mind or passion; irritation; proneness to anger; -- in a reproachful sense. [Coll Tem"per v. i. 1. To accord; to agree; to act and think in conformity. [Obs.] Shak. 2. To have or get a proper or desired state or quality; to grow soft and pliable. I have him already tempering between my finger and my thumb, and shortly will I seal with him. Shak. スポンサード リンク
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