v. t. | 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. |
| 2. | To fit together; to adjust; to accomodate. |
| 3. | (Metal.) To bring to a proper degree of hardness; as, to temper iron or steel. |
| 4. | To govern; to manage. |
| 5. | To moisten to a proper consistency and stir thoroughly, as clay for making brick, loam for molding, etc. |
| 6. | (Mus.) To adjust, as the mathematical scale to the actual scale, or to that in actual use. |
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. |
| 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. |
| 4. | Calmness of mind; moderation; equanimity; composure; as, to keep one's temper. |
| 5. | Heat of mind or passion; irritation; proneness to anger; - in a reproachful sense. |
| 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. |
| 7. | Middle state or course; mean; medium. |
| 8. | (Sugar Works) Milk of lime, or other substance, employed in the process formerly used to clarify sugar. |
v. i. | 1. | To accord; to agree; to act and think in conformity. |
| 2. | To have or get a proper or desired state or quality; to grow soft and pliable. |