Temper \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.
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2. Constitution of body; temperament; in old writers, the
mixture or relative proportion of the four humors, blood,
choler, phlegm, and melancholy.
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The exquisiteness of his [Christ's] bodily temper
increased the exquisiteness of his torment.
--Fuller.
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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.
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Remember with what mild
And gracious temper he both heared and judged.
--Milton.
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The consequents of a certain ethical temper. --J. H.
Newman.
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4. Calmness of mind; moderation; equanimity; composure; as,
to keep one's temper.
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To fall with dignity, with temper rise. --Pope.
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Restore yourselves to your tempers, fathers. --B.
Jonson.
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5. Heat of mind or passion; irritation; proneness to anger;
-- in a reproachful sense. [Colloq.]
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6. The state of a metal or other substance, especially as to
its hardness, produced by some process of heating or
cooling; as, the temper of iron or steel.
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7. Middle state or course; mean; medium. [R.]
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The perfect lawgiver is a just temper between the
mere man of theory, who can see nothing but general
principles, and the mere man of business, who can
see nothing but particular circumstances.
--Macaulay.
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8. (Sugar Works) Milk of lime, or other substance, employed
in the process formerly used to clarify sugar.
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Temper screw, in deep well boring, an adjusting screw
connecting the working beam with the rope carrying the
tools, for lowering the tools as the drilling progresses.
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Syn: Disposition; temperament; frame; humor; mood. See
Disposition.
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