2. Due mixture of qualities; a condition brought about by mutual compromises or concessions. [Obs.]
However, I forejudge not any probable expedient, any temperament that can be found in things of this
nature, so disputable on their side.
Milton. 3. The act of tempering or modifying; adjustment, as of clashing rules, interests, passions, or the like; also,
the means by which such adjustment is effected.
Wholesome temperaments of the rashness of popular assemblies.
Sir J. Mackintosh. 4. Condition with regard to heat or cold; temperature. [Obs.]
Bodies are denominated "hot" and "cold" in proportion to the present temperament of that part of our
body to which they are applied.
Locke. 5. (Mus.) A system of compromises in the tuning of organs, pianofortes, and the like, whereby the
tones generated with the vibrations of a ground tone are mutually modified and in part canceled, until
their number reduced to the actual practicable scale of twelve tones to the octave. This scale, although
in so far artificial, is yet closely suggestive of its origin in nature, and this system of tuning, although not
mathematically true, yet satisfies the ear, while it has the convenience that the same twelve fixed tones
answer for every key or scale, C&sharp becoming identical with D&flat, and so on.
6. (Physiol.) The peculiar physical and mental character of an individual, in olden times erroneously
supposed to be due to individual variation in the relations and proportions of the constituent parts of
the body, especially of the fluids, as the bile, blood, lymph, etc. Hence the phrases, bilious or choleric
temperament, sanguine temperament, etc., implying a predominance of one of these fluids and a corresponding
influence on the temperament.
Equal temperament (Mus.), that in which the variations from mathematically true pitch are distributed
among all the keys alike. — Unequal temperament (Mus.), that in which the variations are thrown
into the keys least used.
Temperamental
(Tem`per*a*men"tal) a. Of or pertaining to temperament; constitutional. [R.] Sir T. Browne.
Temperance
(Tem"per*ance) n. [L. temperantia: cf. F. tempérance. See Temper, v. t.]
1. Habitual moderation in regard to the indulgence of the natural appetites and passions; restrained or
moderate indulgence; moderation; as, temperance in eating and drinking; temperance in the indulgence
of joy or mirth; specifically, moderation, and sometimes abstinence, in respect to using intoxicating liquors.
2. Moderation of passion; patience; calmness; sedateness. [R.] "A gentleman of all temperance." Shak.
He calmed his wrath with goodly temperance.
Spenser. 3. State with regard to heat or cold; temperature. [Obs.] "Tender and delicate temperance." Shak.
Temperance society, an association formed for the purpose of diminishing or stopping the use of alcoholic
liquors as a beverage.
Temperancy
(Tem"per*an*cy) n. Temperance.
Temperate
(Tem"per*ate) a. [L. temperatus, p. p. of temperare. See Temper, v. t.]
1. Moderate; not excessive; as, temperate heat; a temperate climate.
