Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition


Attemper

At-tem′per

,
Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Attempered
;
p. pr. & vb. n.
Attempering
.]
[OF.
atemprer
, fr. L.
attemperare
;
ad
+
temperare
to soften, temper. See
Temper
, and cf.
Attemperate
.]
1.
To reduce, modify, or moderate, by mixture; to temper; to regulate, as temperature.
If sweet with bitter . . . were not
attempered
still.
Trench.
2.
To soften, mollify, or moderate; to soothe; to temper;
as, to
attemper
rigid justice with clemency
.
3.
To mix in just proportion; to regulate;
as, a mind well
attempered
with kindness and justice
.
4.
To accommodate; to make suitable; to adapt.
Arts . . .
attempered
to the lyre.
Pope.
☞ This word is now not much used, the verb temper taking its place.

Webster 1828 Edition


Attemper

ATTEM'PER

,
Verb.
T.
[L. attempero, of ad and tempero, to temper, mix, or moderate. See Temper.]
1.
To reduce, modify or moderate by mixture; as, to attemper heat by a cooling mixture, or spirit by diluting it with water.
2.
To soften, mollify or moderate; as, to attemper rigid justice with clemency.
3.
To mix in just proportion; to regulate; as, a mind well attempered with kindness and justice.
4.
To accommodate; to fit or make suitable.
Arts attempered to the lyre.

Definition 2024


attemper

attemper

English

Alternative forms

Verb

attemper (third-person singular simple present attempers, present participle attempering, simple past and past participle attempered)

  1. To temper by adjusting relative quantities, or blending qualities.
  2. To mitigate, assuage.
  3. (archaic) To regulate, arrange, organise.
    • 1590, Edmund Spenser, The Faerie Queene, II.ii:
      Thus fairely she attempered her feast, / And pleasd them all with meete satietie [...].