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单词 temper
释义

tempern.

Brit. /ˈtɛmpə/, U.S. /ˈtɛmpər/
Forms: Middle English–1500s tempre, Middle English tempere, tempyr, tempour, tempure, tymper, 1500s– temper.
Etymology: < temper v. Compare rare Old French tempre proportion, etc. (12th cent. in Godefroy Compl.), later and modern French trempe (15th cent.) tempering, temper of steel, physical constitution of man.
I. Senses relating to proportionate arrangement and composure.
†1. The due or proportionate mixture or combination of elements or qualities; the condition or state resulting from such combination; proper or fit condition; in temper, out of temper, in, out of proper condition, etc. Now rare or Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > suitability or appropriateness > [noun] > due proportion or proportionateness > proportionate mixture
tempera1387
temperament?a1412
temperature1538
contemperature1567
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1865) I. 75 Þere is helþe, for þe aier is in tempre, noþer to hote noþer to colde.
a1500 ( J. Yonge tr. Secreta Secret. (Rawl.) (1898) 246 Als longe as the natural hette duryth in ryght tempure by euenesse of the foure humores.
1548 N. Udall et al. tr. Erasmus Paraphr. Newe Test. I. Luke ix. 86 b The delectable swetenesse of the glorie should be brought to a tempre with the mencion of death.
1573 Treas. Hid. Secrets (1633) xviii Keepe your water in a temper; and, when it is very hot, let it out, and put it in cold water.
1578 J. Lyly Euphues f. 56 For the curinge and keepinge in temper of the bodye.
1607 S. Hieron Back-parts of Iehouah in Wks. (1620) I. 191 It shall be wisedome for vs..to sing of mercy and iudgment too; both together will make an excellent temper.
1622 Relation Eng. Plantation Plimoth, New Eng. 31 To make our peeces and furniture readie, which by the moysture and rayne were out of temper.
1651 T. Stanley Poems 106 As soon as the cup was brought tempered with water, they call on Jupiter..the author of temper and commixtion.
1655 T. Moffett & C. Bennet Healths Improvem. xxx. 287 Health it self is but a kind of temper gotten and preserved by a convenient mixture of contrarieties.
1735 tr. C. Rollin Anc. Hist. V. 51 To keep their limbs pliable, and in a right temper.
1743 W. Ellis London & Country Brewer (ed. 2) II. 120 The London Brewer..lets in a parcel of cold Water directly and thereby brings all his Liquor into a Temper at once.
1879 ‘G. Eliot’ Theophrastus Such vi. 117 What is temper? Its primary meaning, the proportion and mode in which qualities are mingled, is much neglected in popular speech.]
2. Proportionate arrangement of parts; regulation, adjustment; hence, mean or medium, a middle course; a compromise; a settlement. archaic.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > judgement or decision > compromise > [noun] > instance of
midsc1485
temper?1523
composition1597
temperature1598
temperament1604
medium1719
compromise1797
come-between1877
trade-off1909
wash1976
the world > food and drink > farming > tools and implements > ploughing equipment > [noun] > adjust plough
temper?1523
the world > relative properties > relationship > equality or equivalence > condition of being mean or average > [noun] > mean
middlingOE
middlelOE
meanc1450
neutralityc1475
moyen1484
temper?1523
mediety1573
medium1593
temperature1598
temperament1604
intermedial1605
median1635
intermediate1650
average1737
middle term1754
mesne1821
intermediacy1836
intermediary1865
the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > adaptation or adjustment > [noun] > in order to conform > to a standard or purpose
reductionc1443
temper?1523
adjustment1644
adjustation1669
?1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Husbandry f. iiiv Their moost speciall temper is at the bolster where as the plough beam lyeth. [Cf. temper v. 17.]
1597 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie v. lxxvi. 224 A moderate indifferent temper betweene fulnesse of bread and emptines.
1647 Bp. J. Taylor Θεολογία Ἐκλεκτική Ep. Ded. 24 Therefore they made Decrees of Toleration, and appointed tempers and expedients.
1692 Bp. G. Burnet Disc. Pastoral Care viii. 95 So strongly does the World love Extreams, and avoid a Temper.
a1797 E. Burke Ess. Abridgm. Eng. Hist. (rev. ed.) in Wks. (1812) V. 634 The king..compiled a new body of laws, in order to find a temper between both.
1855 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. III. xiii. 260 He would probably have preferred a temper between the two rival systems, a hierarchy in which the chief spiritual functionaries should have been something more than moderators and something less than prelates.
3. Mental balance or composure, esp. under provocation of any kind; moderation in or command over the emotions, esp. anger; calmness, equanimity: now usually in the phrases to keep or lose (one's) temper, to be out of temper.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > calmness > [noun]
resteOE
peacea1225
egalityc1374
tranquillityc1374
peaceabilityc1384
sobernessc1384
tranquille1412
quietness?a1425
evenheadc1440
equalitya1475
equability1531
sobermood1556
calmness1561
evenness1561
serenity1599
collection1602
equilibrium1608
calm1609
temperateness1609
composedness1611
recollection1611
temper1611
unpassionateness1611
placidity1619
sereneness1628
attemperature1635
quietationa1639
equableness1641
steadiness1642
sedateness1647
imperturbation1648
placidness1654
centredness1662
equanimity1663
composure1667
serenitude1672
equalness1675
unperturbedness1676
dispassion1690
quietism1735
serene1744
relaxednessa1750
self-composure1762
sober-mindedness1767
collectedness1789
unprovokedness1795
comfortableness1815
repose1815
levelness1824
dispassionateness1842
unruffledness1858
passionlessness1867
the mind > emotion > calmness > self-possession or self-control > [noun]
repressiona1413
governailc1425
willc1480
self-rule1532
coldness1548
stay1556
presentness of mind1598
coolness1607
cold blooda1609
temper1611
self-discipline1612
retention?1615
presence of mind?1624
self-governance1630
retentiveness1641
self-command1651
self-mastery1652
self-control1653
self-direction1653
self-restraint1656
self-possession1665
possessednessa1698
self-regulation1698
possession1703
retenue1747
sang-froid1750
self-collection1761
render1768
self-collectedness1805
self-repression1821
self-containedness1835
unimpulsiveness1860
cool-headedness1881
sophrosyne1889
cool1964
1611 B. Jonson Catiline iv. sig. I2v Restore your selues, vnto your temper, Fathers; And, without perturbation, heare me speake. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) ii. ii. 190 Neuer could the Strumpet..Once stir my temper . View more context for this quotation
1659 H. Hammond Paraphr. & Annot. Psalms (civ. 9 Paraphr.) 511 It observes..a temper in its madness.
1694 W. Congreve Double-dealer v. i. 75 Let your wild fury have a vent; and when you have temper, tell me.
1698 J. Collier Short View Immorality Eng. Stage iii. 120 Creon keeps himself within Temper, and gives no ill Language.
1703 N. Rowe Ulysses Ded. The Temper which you have restor'd to our Councils.
1711 R. Steele Spectator No. 140. ⁋11 I keep my Temper, and win their Money.
1743 J. Morris Serm. vii. 191 The good man was out of temper.
1782 V. Knox Ess. (1819) II. lxxxvi. 148 Public affairs are seldom treated with temper either in writing or conversation.
1838 C. Thirlwall Hist. Greece V. xxxvii. 20 Teleutias entirely lost his temper.
1841 C. Dickens Barnaby Rudge xxxii. 120 It would put me out of temper, which is a state of mind I can't endure.
1871 S. Smiles Character i. 9 A weakness..was his want of temper; his genius was sacrificed to his irritability.
1878 S. Walpole Hist. Eng. II. 458 Sir Joseph Yorke told him that he would lose his place if he did not keep his temper.
II. Senses relating to character or constitution.
†4.
a. The constitution, character, or quality of a substance or body (originally supposed to depend upon the ‘temper’ or combination of the elements); = temperament n. 3. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > [noun]
shapec1050
composition1382
temperc1400
confectionc1420
temperament1471
frame?1520
compage1550
architecture1590
compacture1590
structure?1591
fabricaturec1600
constitution1601
membrature1606
composture1614
compositure1625
contexturea1639
composure1639
economy1644
fabric1644
conformation1646
composier1648
constructurea1652
compages1660
mechanism1662
compound1671
construction1707
componency1750
formation1774
make-up1821
the world > existence and causation > existence > intrinsicality or inherence > character or nature > [noun]
birtha1250
the manner ofc1300
formc1310
propertyc1390
naturea1393
condition1393
qualitya1398
temperc1400
taragec1407
naturality?a1425
profession?a1439
affecta1460
temperament1471
essence?1533
affection1534
spirit?1534
temperature1539
natural spirit1541
character1577
complexion1589
tincture1590
idiom1596
qualification1602
texture1611
connativea1618
thread1632
genius1639
complexure1648
quale1654
indoles1672
suchness1674
staminaa1676
trim1707
tenor1725
colouring1735
tint1760
type1843
aura1859
thusness1883
physis1923
c1400 Lanfranc's Cirurgie 332 Coold mater..ne schal not be putt awei wiþ repercussiuis, but wiþ medicyns þat ben hoot and drie in tempere.
1483 Cath. Angl. 379/2 A Tempyr..temperacio rerum.
1604 E. Grimeston tr. J. de Acosta Nat. & Morall Hist. Indies iv. iii. 209 In the highest mountains and inaccessible rockes of a rough temper.
1625 N. Carpenter Geogr. Delineated i. iii. 45 [He] found the causes of most magneticall motions..hid in the magneticall temper and constitution of the Earth.
1678 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises I. iv. 63 Examine the temper of your Stuff, by easy tryals, how the Plain will work upon it.
1707 J. Mortimer Whole Art Husbandry (1721) I. 60 In sowing of Land great regard ought to be had to the Weather, and the Temper of the Land you design to sow.
1759 J. Mills tr. H. L. Duhamel du Monceau Pract. Treat. Husbandry i. ix. 52 I come now to your lands of a light temper.
†b. Of things immaterial: Character, quality.
ΚΠ
1598 B. Yong tr. J. de Montemayor Diana 109 His strength and courage was not of such a temper, that mortall wounds could daunt his minde.
1602 W. S. True Chron. Hist. Ld. Cromwell sig. B2 Now sir your hart is framed of milder temper.
1635 E. Pagitt Christianographie (1636) i. iii. 125 The Georgians have.. a peculiar language of a middle temper, which well agreeth with the position of their country, betweene the Tartarians and the Armenians.
1647 N. Bacon Hist. Disc. Govt. 194 Treason was anciently used onely as a crime of breach of trust or fealty..; now it grows into a sadder temper, and is made all one with that of læsa Majestas.
5. The particular degree of hardness and elasticity or resiliency imparted to steel by tempering: see temper v. 14.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > materials > derived or manufactured material > metal > steel > [noun] > hardness
temperurec1407
temper1488
temperature1580
1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) ii. l. 189 O wareide suerd, of tempyr neuir trew.
1590 J. Smythe Certain Disc. Weapons 4 Rapier blades..made of a verie hard temper to fight in priuat fraies.
1611 T. Coryate Crudities sig. Bb3v The Cutlers of this City [sc. Brixia] are accounted very excellent workemen for making of kniues, targets, and swordes of a singular temper.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 1 (1623) ii. iv. 13 Between two Blades, which beares the better temper . View more context for this quotation
1678 J. Moxon Mech. Exercises I. iii. 58 The blew colour gives the Temper to Springs in general.
1881 Metal World 8 Oct. 338 The temper of steel is due to the chemical union of the iron with the carbon.
figurative.1601 B. Jonson Every Man in his Humor ii. ii. sig. E2 Not caring how the temper of your spirits [1616 II. v. 108, mettall of your minds] Is eaten with the rust of idlenesse. View more context for this quotation1785 W. Cowper Task v. 664 Harden'd his heart's temper in the forge Of lust, and on the anvil of despair.1866 J. Martineau Ess. Philos. & Theol. 1st Ser. 41 Intellectual implements of more ethereal temper.
†6. The condition of the atmosphere with regard to heat and cold, dryness and humidity; the prevailing condition of the weather at a place; = climate n.1 2, temperament n. 4. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > weather and the atmosphere > weather > [noun] > prevailing weather or climate
temperurea1387
heavena1398
temper1483
sunc1540
climate1548
sky1583
temperament1583
clime1597
meteorologicsc1600
climature1615
meteorology1684
1483 Cath. Angl. 379/2 A Tempyr,..temperies Aeris est.
1525 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles II. clxvi. [clxvii.] 500 The wether was fayre and clere, and the ayre in good temper.
1604 E. Grimeston tr. J. de Acosta Nat. & Morall Hist. Indies i. ix. 33 It is a land of an excellent temper, being in the midst of two extremes.
1622 Relation Eng. Plantation Plimoth, New Eng. 62 For the temper of the ayre, here it agreeth well with that in England.
1697 J. Dryden tr. Virgil Georgics i, in tr. Virgil Wks. 66 With the changeful Temper of the Skies, As Rains condense, and Sun-shine rarifies. View more context for this quotation
1705 J. Addison Remarks Italy 208 The Temper of their Climate..relaxes the Fibers of their Bodies.
†7. The relative condition of a body in respect of warmth or coldness; = temperature n. 7. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > properties of materials > temperature > [noun]
temper1562
temperament1658
temperature1670
thermality1884
temp1886
1562 W. Turner Bk. Natures Bathes Eng. f. 16, in 2nd Pt. Herball Let therefore your both meat and drinke be in such temper, that they be not cold but warme.
1626 F. Bacon Sylua Syluarum §326 This will be performed partly by the Temper of the Fire.
1657 R. Ligon True Hist. Barbados 27 The other foure months it is not so hot, but is neer the temper of the aire in England.
1677 A. Yarranton England's Improvem. 109 The Cloth is always kept in a constant heat and temper.
1693 E. Halley in Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 17 655 The Thermometers..in use are of Two sorts; the one shewing the differing Temper of Heat and Cold by the Expansion of Spirit of Wine, the other by the Air.
1733 P. Miller Gardeners Dict. at Tan The Bark will begin to heat, and when it is found of a due Temper, the Plants may be removed into it.
1884 F. J. Britten Watch & Clockmakers' Handbk. (new ed.) 75 Sufficient heat will pass along the wire to lower the temper of the hole.
†8. Bodily habit, constitution, or condition. Obsolete.Sometimes attributed to the various proportions in which the four humours are combined; sometimes to the combination of physical qualities: see temperament n. 3, 6.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > bodily constitution > [noun]
naturec1275
kindc1300
complexion1398
habitudec1400
disposition1477
constitution1553
corporature1555
habit1576
composition1578
temper1601
composure1628
schesis1684
stamina1701
habitus1886
1601 B. Jonson Fountaine of Selfe-love ii. iii. sig. D4v A creature of a most perfect and diuine temper; One, in whom the Humors & Elements are peaceably met, without æmulation of Precedencie. View more context for this quotation
1615 H. Crooke Μικροκοσμογραϕια 272 The Temper of the whole body is to be esteemed according to the Temper of the principall parts, especially of the heart and the Liuer.
1634 W. Wood New Englands Prospect i. ii. 3 Agreeing well with the temper of our English bodies.
1650 T. Fuller Pisgah-sight of Palestine iii. 345 The exquisiteness of his bodily temper, increasing the exquisiteness of his torment.
1653 H. More Antidote against Atheism in Coll. Philos. Writings (1712) ii. x. §7 71 The Hare, whose temper and frame of body are plainly fitted on purpose for her Condition.
1661 R. Lovell Πανζωορυκτολογια, sive Panzoologicomineralogia Isagoge sig. B8v As for their [sc. serpents'] temper, some are cold, and others hot.
1707 J. Floyer Physician's Pulse-watch 300 All the Climates above 45 towards the Æquator have exceeding Pulses, and Choleric thin Tempers and Habits.
9. Mental constitution; habitual disposition; = temperament n. 7.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > disposition or character > [noun]
heartOE
erda1000
moodOE
i-mindOE
i-cundeOE
costc1175
lundc1175
evena1200
kinda1225
custc1275
couragec1300
the manner ofc1300
qualityc1300
talentc1330
attemperancec1374
complexionc1386
dispositiona1387
propertyc1390
naturea1393
assay1393
inclinationa1398
gentlenessa1400
proprietya1400
habitudec1400
makingc1400
conditionc1405
habitc1405
conceitc1425
affecta1460
ingeny1477
engine1488
stomach?1510
mind?a1513
ingine1533
affection1534
vein1536
humour?1563
natural1564
facultyc1565
concept1566
frame1567
temperature1583
geniusa1586
bent1587
constitution1589
composition1597
character1600
tune1600
qualification1602
infusion1604
spirits1604
dispose1609
selfness1611
disposure1613
composurea1616
racea1616
tempera1616
crasisc1616
directiona1639
grain1641
turn1647
complexure1648
genie1653
make1674
personality1710
tonea1751
bearing1795
liver1800
make-up1821
temperament1821
naturalness1850
selfhood1854
Wesen1854
naturel1856
sit1857
fibre1864
character structure1873
mentality1895
mindset1909
psyche1910
where it's (he's, she's) at1967
a1616 W. Shakespeare King John (1623) v. ii. 40 A noble temper dost thou shew in this. View more context for this quotation
a1616 W. Shakespeare Winter's Tale (1623) iv. iv. 467 You know my Fathers temper: at this time He will allow no speech. View more context for this quotation
1669 E. Stillingfleet Serm. Whitsunday ⁋14 Did the being Christians alter their natural temper?
1720 T. Hearne Remarks & Coll. (1906) VII. 111 A Lady of a sweet Temper, strict Virtue.
1754 J. Edwards Careful Enq. Freedom of Will i. ii. 10 The particular Temper which the Mind has by Nature, or that has been introduced and established by Education, Example, Custom, or some other Means.
1780 H. Blair Serm. II. iii. 70 Temper is the disposition which remains after these emotions are past, and which forms the habitual propensity of the soul.
1843 G. Borrow Bible in Spain III. xi. 200 He..had been educated for the church, which, not suiting his temper, he had abandoned.
1874 J. R. Green Short Hist. Eng. People viii. §2. 466 The temper of the Puritan was eminently a temper of law.
10.
a. Actual state or attitude of the mind or feelings; frame of mind; inclination, humour.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > disposition or character > temporary state of mind, mood > [noun]
moodOE
affection?c1225
affecta1398
statec1450
humour1525
vein1577
frame1579
temperality1600
tempera1628
à la mode1654
disposition1726
spite1735
the mind > emotion > aspects of emotion > state of feeling or mood > [noun]
moodOE
cheerc1225
affecta1398
statec1450
mindc1460
stomach1476
spiritc1480
humour1525
vein1577
frame1579
tune1600
tempera1628
transport1658
air1678
tift1717
disposition1726
spite1735
tonea1751
a1628 J. Preston New Covenant (1629) iv. 118 If thy heart continue in that temper, it is impossible.
1680 Bp. G. Burnet Some Passages Life Rochester (1692) 62 Thereby to nourish a devout temper in us.
1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 320 He brought me an Account of the Temper he found them in.
1777 E. Burke Let. to Sheriffs Bristol 33 A conciliatory temper must precede and prepare every plan of reconciliation.
1838 E. Bulwer-Lytton Leila iv. vii. 218 The excitement, the wrath of the troops, produced the temper most fit for action.
1855 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. III. xv. 501 The Commons were in no temper to listen to such excuses.
1875 B. Jowett tr. Plato Dialogues (ed. 2) IV. 317 I would recommend you..not to encourage yourself in this polemical and controversial temper.
b. In good-temper, ill-temper, bad temper (the latter leading to sense 11).
ΚΠ
1768 [implied in: L. Sterne Sentimental Journey II. 88 The French..are a..good temper'd people as is under heaven. (at tempered adj. 2b)].
1787 A. Young Jrnl. 23 Oct. in Trav. France (1792) i. 69 A feature of that good temper which appears to me so visible every where in France.
1793 E. Burke Observ. Conduct Minority in Wks. (1821) VII. 267 He would not be able to get the better of the ill temper, and the ill doctrines, he has been the means of exciting.
1828 N. Webster Amer. Dict. Eng. Lang. (at cited word) 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. This is applicable to beasts as well as to man.
a1832 J. Bentham Deontology (1834) I. 26 (note) The tranquillity and good temper of a disputant.
1855 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. III. 38 The old soldiers of James were generally in a very bad temper.
1884 J. Hall Christian Home 159 Servants..sometimes suffer from the ill-temper of their employers.
11. = ill-temper at sense 10b: Heat of mind or passion, showing itself by outbursts of irritation or anger upon slight provocation; explosive ill-humour.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > anger > irascibility > [noun]
hastinessc1325
melancholya1375
hastivenessa1393
hastivessa1393
rese?a1400
hastivitya1500
fumishness1519
choler1530
firishness1568
cholericness1571
waspishness1593
fieriness1625
irascibility1750
parlousness1755
temper1828
provocability1834
quickness1863
tempersomeness1909
1828 N. Webster Amer. Dict. Eng. Lang. Temper..5. Heat of mind or passion; irritation. The boy showed a great deal of temper when I reproved him. So we say, a man of violent temper, when we speak of his irritability. (This use of the word is common, though a deviation from its original and genuine meaning.)
1836 B. H. Smart Walker Remodelled Temper,..from the original sense, calmness, moderation; by a special application of the latter derivative senses, heat, irritation.
a1846 J. W. Croker in J. E. Worcester Dict. Eng. Lang. Johnson, when the first ebullition of temper had subsided, felt that he had been unreasonably violent.
1880 R. W. Church Cathedral & Univ. Serm. (1892) 197 What we all understand when we speak of a man ‘showing temper’.
1900 E. Glyn Visits of Elizabeth (1906) 21 I can't tell you, Mamma, what a temper I was in.
III. Senses related to constituency.
12. Concrete senses, in technical use.
†a. Applied to mortar or plaster. Obsolete. rare.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > materials > derived or manufactured material > plaster > [noun] > rough-cast or pebble-dash
daubing1382
roughcasting1469
temper1594
roughcast1596
rough mortar1703
rough coating1791
slapdash1796
pebble-dashing1826
pebble-dash1831
harl1869
1594 H. Plat Diuerse Sorts of Soyle 18 in Jewell House An olde wall whose temper was made of Lime and Sand.
b. Sugar Manufacturing. A solution containing lime or some other alkaline substance serving to neutralize the acid in the raw cane-juice and clarify it.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > food > food manufacture and preparation > sugar manufacture > [noun] > substance used in
temper1657
earth1752
1657 R. Ligon True Hist. Barbados 90 A liquor made of water and Withs which they call Temper.
1797 Encycl. Brit. XVIII. 59/1 When the clarifier is filled, a fire is lighted, and a quantity of Bristol quicklime in powder..called temper, is poured into the vessel.
1839 A. Ure Dict. Arts 1202 If an excess of temper be used, the gluten is taken up again by the strong affinity which..exist[s] between sugar and lime.
c. An alloy of tin and copper.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > materials > derived or manufactured material > metal > alloy > [noun] > other alloys of copper and tin
bell-metal1541
speculum metal1796
temper1875
speculum1912
1875 E. H. Knight Pract. Dict. Mech. Pewterer's Temper, an alloy of 2 parts tin and 1 copper.
1885 Encycl. Brit. XVIII. 725/1 The finest pewter (sometimes called ‘tin and temper’) is simply tin hardened by the addition of a trifle of copper.
d. (See quot. 1975.)
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > materials > raw material > clay > [noun] > temper for clay
temperurec1400
temperature1610
temper1925
1925 C. E. Guthe Pueblo Pottery Making 20 The mixing..consists of the addition of temper.
1936 K. M. Chapman Pottery of Santo Domingo Pueblo 11 The clay and temper are moistened and kneaded together.
1955 Bushnell & Digby Anc. Amer. Pottery iv. 32 The temper is normally rather coarse, but in at least one of the three examples..it is very fine.
1975 R. L. Beals Peasant Marketing Syst. Oaxaca ii. 18 Temper used in pottery making is a coarse material such as sand or decomposed rock to make the clay more ductile and prevent cracking of the shaped vessel during drying.

Compounds

C1. attributive and in other combinations, as temper-fit, temper-flaw, temper tantrum; temper-spoiling, temper-wearing adjectives.
ΚΠ
1788 W. Cowper Poet's New Year's Gift ii To wish thee fairer is no need,..Or more ingenious, or more freed From temper-flaws unsightly.
1884 W. James in Mind 9 199 In injuries to the brain..we have tears, laughter, and temper-fits, on the most insignificant provocation.
1893 Outing 22 121/2 Fly-fishing is pretty, but it is a futile and temper-spoiling art on a narrow, crooked, bush-grown brook.
1895 R. Kipling in Daily Chron. 3 July 3/7 The mass of profitless, temper-wearing detail that attaches itself to any extended market-work.
1930 G. C. Myers Mod. Parent x. 168 There are vague symptoms of temper tantrum at the age of several weeks when [an infant's] accustomed satisfactions are withheld.
1951 W. H. Auden Nones (1952) 11 Unable To conceive a god whose temper-tantrums are moral.
1980 Jrnl. Royal Soc. Med. 73 217 The affected children themselves are liable to behavioural problems such as temper tantrums.
C2. Special combinations (perhaps from stem of temper v.): See also temper-pin n.
temper-brittle adj.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > materials > derived or manufactured material > metal > steel > [adjective] > brittle
quick1678
temper-brittle1918
1918 Proc. Inst. Automobile Engineers 12 349 There is..no difference..between the micro-structure of the ‘temper-brittle’ steel and the micro-structure of the same steel giving the good impact value.
1930 Engineering 24 Oct. 525/3 The metal had been rendered ‘temper brittle’ by being cooled too slowly in the tempering process.
temper-brittleness n. Metallurgy notch-brittleness produced in certain types of steel when it is held in or cooled slowly through a certain temperature range.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > materials > derived or manufactured material > metal > steel > [noun] > brittleness
blue shortness1886
blue brittleness1911
temper-brittleness1918
1918 Proc. Inst. Automobile Engineers 12 349 If an absolutely unnotched bar is taken and tested under impact conditions, it is frequently found that even if that bar happens to show the peculiar ‘temper brittleness’ it will bend over without any sign of brittleness in the unnotched state.
1967 A. H. Cottrell Introd. Metall. xx. 384 This temper-brittleness..is associated with fracture along grain boundaries.
temper-pot n. see quots.
ΚΠ
1875 R. Hunt & F. W. Rudler Ure's Dict. Arts (ed. 7) III. 67 When..the ladle becomes chilled, it is dipped into a small vessel containing lead of a higher temperature than that which is being worked, and known by the name of a temper-pot.
1884 C. G. W. Lock Workshop Receipts 3rd Ser. 361/2 The temper-pots hold about a ton of metal each.
temper-screw n. a set-screw for adjustment; esp. in boring, a screw-connection for automatically adjusting the drill as the boring proceeds.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > equipment > piercing or boring tools > [noun] > drill > other drill parts or attachments
tache1683
temper-screw1865
sub1875
substitute1875
stem1880
1865 G. W. Gesner A. Gesner's Pract. Treat. Coal (ed. 2) ii. 28 The Temper Screw is attached to a rope which connects with the end of the walking-beam, and serves to regulate the descent of the drill, without the inconvenience of lengthening the rope at short intervals.
1877 E. H. Knight Pract. Dict. Mech. Temper-screw,..one which brings its point against a bearing or an object.
1883 Cent. Mag. July 330/1 Then there is the ‘temper-screw’ which lowers the drilling apparatus inch by inch as it goes down.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online June 2022).

temperv.

Brit. /ˈtɛmpə/, U.S. /ˈtɛmpər/
Forms: Old English temprian, Middle English temprien, ( Orm.) temmprenn, Middle English tempren, Middle English–1500s tempre, (Middle English tempire, Middle English–1500s tempere, tempir, tempor, Middle English tempyr, tempore, Middle English–1500s tempier), Middle English– temper. See also tamper v.1
Etymology: Old English temprian (so also in Old Saxon temperon ), < Latin temperāre to divide or proportion duly, to mingle in due proportion, to combine properly; to qualify, temper; to arrange or keep in due measure or proportion, to keep within limits, to regulate, rule. Thence Old French temprer (12th cent.), later (tremprer ) tremper , 13th cent. in Godefroy (whence tramp v.2 to soak); also tempérer (learned form after Latin) to moderate by some mixture. The sense-development of the English verb was probably influenced by the French. A differentiated form is tamper v.1Latin temperāre is generally held to be a derivative of tempus, tempor- a time or season, the proper time or season; but the sense history of both words is prehistoric and obscure: see Walde Lat. Etymol.
I. Senses relating to proportionate balance.
1. transitive. To bring (anything) to a proper or suitable condition, state, or quality, by mingling with something else; to qualify, alloy, or dilute by such mixture or combination. Also figurative. archaic.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > change to something else, transformation > adaptation > adapt [verb (transitive)]
tempera1000
transpose1509
adaptate1638
adapt1676
modify1800
reconfigure1939
tailor1942
the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > improvement > [verb (transitive)] > improve by mingling with something else
tempera1000
the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > condition or state of being mixed or blended > mix or blend [verb (transitive)] > add as ingredient to a mixture > qualify by admixture
tempera1000
entemperc1290
attemper1393
powdera1425
grade1889
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > attestation, witness, evidence > qualification > modify, qualify [verb (transitive)]
qualify1533
temperatea1540
take1542
season1604
disbend1607
condition1629
tinge1673
temper1711
shade1817
colour1882
a1000 Blickl. Glosses Ps. ci. 10 Potum meum cum fletu temperabam, glossed ic temprede.
13.. K. Alis. 7850 Venym he tok, and tempred hit with wyn.
c1384 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(2)) (1850) 1 Cor. xii. 24 But god tempride the bodi [L. Deus temperavit corpus], ȝyuynge more worschipe to it, to whom it failide.
c1425 tr. Arderne's Surgery (E.E.T.S.) 72 Þe ȝolk of a raw ey tempered with bole armoniac to sich þikknes þat it may by a clistery be ȝette into þe lure.
1486 Bk. St. Albans b vj b Take Oyle of spayne and tempere it with clere wyne.
1544 T. Phaer Of Pestilence (1553) Mv In a hote season it is good to temper ye said wine with a litle rose~water.
a1591 H. Smith Serm. (1637) 134 As wine is tempered with water, so let discretion temper zeale.
1660 R. Burney Κέρδιστον Δῶρον 110 To compound an absolute one (Temperamentum ad pondus) of the other 3. forms of Government [sc. Spartan, Athenian, Roman], as the ingredients, &..tampering with Monarchy.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 106. ¶3 The good old Knight..tempered the Enquiries after his own Affairs with several kind Questions relating to themselves.
1756 T. Nugent tr. C.-L. de S. de Montesquieu Spirit of Laws (1758) I. iv. viii. 55 There was a necessity for tempering them with others that might soften their manners.
2.
a. To modify (some unsuitable or excessive state or quality, or some thing or person in respect of such), esp. by admixture of some other quality, etc.; to reduce to the suitable or desirable (middle) degree or condition free from excess in either direction; to moderate, mitigate, assuage, tone down.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > lack of violence, severity, or intensity > make less violent or severe [verb (transitive)]
temperc1000
keelc1175
slakea1300
abate?c1335
settle1338
swagea1340
modifyc1385
rebatea1398
bate1398
moder1414
releasea1425
remiss?a1425
moderate1435
alethe?1440
delaya1450
appal1470
addulce1477
mollify1496
mean?a1513
relent1535
qualify1536
temperatea1540
aplake1578
slack1589
relaxate1598
milden1603
mitigate1611
relax1612
alleniate1615
allay1628
alloy1634
castigate1653
smoothen1655
tendera1656
mitify1656
meeken1662
remitigate1671
obviscate1684
slacken1685
chastise1704
dulcify1744
absorb1791
demulceate1817
chasten1856
modulate1974
mediate1987
the world > relative properties > quantity > decrease or reduction in quantity, amount, or degree > reduce in quantity, amount, or degree [verb (transitive)] > tone down
temperc1000
modifyc1385
softenc1410
tame?a1500
qualify1536
temperatea1540
extenuate1561
supple1609
dilute1665
palliate1665
weaken1683
subdue1723
lower1780
modulate1783
to shade away1817
to water down1832
to water down1836
sober1838
veil1843
to tone down1847
to break down1859
soothe1860
tone1884
to key down1891
soft-pedal1912
the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > adaptation or adjustment > adapt or adjust [verb (transitive)] > by tempering or mixing
temperc1000
attemper1393
temperatea1540
attemperate1561
contemper1585
contemperate1590
mitigate1601
season1604
c1000 Ælfric Homilies II. 46 And eft getemprie seo bile~witnys þæt fyr, þæt hit to reðe ne sy.
a1050 Liber Scintill. x. 52 Bryne lichamena mid cealdrum estum to temprigenne ys [L. temperandus est].
c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 2893 Forr aȝȝ birrþ rihhtwisnesse ben Þurrh mildheorrtnesse temmpredd.
a1340 R. Rolle Psalter cvi. 29 Þe persecuciouns he tempird and made þaim suffrabil.
1552 R. Huloet Abcedarium Anglico Latinum Temper sorow with mirth.
1596 E. Spenser View State Ireland Pref. 2 We may wish that in some passages it had bin tempered with more moderation.
a1626 F. Bacon Elements Common Lawes (1630) Ep. Ded. sig. A3 Kings, which..do temper their magnanimity with iustice.
1768 L. Sterne Sentimental Journey II. 176 God tempers the wind, said Maria, to the shorn lamb.
1781 J. Moore View Soc. Italy (1790) I. xxxix. 420 Our admiration of the Romans is tempered with horror.
1834 M. Somerville On Connexion Physical Sci. (1849) 291 The cold currents from the poles tempering the intense heat of the equatorial regions.
1871 J. R. Macduff Memories of Patmos x. 132 He..who tempers judgment with mercy.
1878 T. H. Huxley Physiography (ed. 2) 80 In tempering the activity of the oxygen with which it is associated.
b. intransitive (for passive)
ΚΠ
1860 C. Dickens Uncommerc. Traveller in All Year Round 5 May 88/2 A flavour of damaged oranges, which, a little further down towards the river, tempered into herrings, and gradually toned into a cosmopolitan blast of fish.
3. To mix, mingle, blend (ingredients) together, or (one ingredient) with another, in proper proportions. Also figurative. archaic.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > condition or state of being mixed or blended > mix or blend [verb (transitive)]
mingeOE
blandOE
mongle?c1225
meddlec1350
sprengea1382
compoundc1384
intermeddlec1384
temperc1386
mell1387
found?c1390
joinc1400
intermell1413
commix?a1425
medley?a1425
mix?a1425
amenge?c1450
immix?a1475
immixt?a1475
minglea1475
tremp1480
commixt1481
incarry1486
mixtionc1500
mixta1513
demelle1516
confect1540
intermixt1551
intermingle1555
bemix1559
intermix1562
contemper1567
blenge1570
bemingle1574
contemperate1590
masha1591
commeddle1604
immingle1606
blenda1616
intemper1627
commingle1648
conferment1651
subigate1657
to mix up1672
mould1701
meine1736
caudle1795
combine1799
interblenda1849
inmix1892
meld1936
the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > condition or state of being mixed or blended > mix or blend [verb (transitive)] > in due proportion
temperc1386
portiona1450
c1386 G. Chaucer Canon's Yeoman's Prol. & Tale 348 Er þat the pot be on the fir ydo Of metals with a certeyn quantitee My lord hem tempreth and no man but he.
c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 488/1 Temperyn, or menge to-gedur, commisceo, misceo.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 754/1 Whan metalles be well tempered togyther they wyll be all as one.
1671 J. Webster Metallographia v. 88 They are said to grow of sulphur and argent vive mixt and tempered together.
1759 J. Mills tr. H. L. Duhamel du Monceau Pract. Treat. Husbandry i. viii. 21 To fling and temper amongst it ashes or chalk.
1876 J. S. Blackie Songs Relig. & Life 195 If wisely you temper, and skilfully blend The hard-headed Scot with the quick-witted Grecian.
4. To prepare by mingling; to make by due mixture or combination; to concoct, compound, compose, make up, devise. literal and figurative. Obsolete or archaic.
ΘΚΠ
the world > existence and causation > creation > [verb (transitive)] > devise, contrive, or make up, compose, or concoct
craftOE
befind1297
visec1325
contrive1377
temper1390
preparate?a1425
brew1530
to make up1530
forge1549
compact1576
mint1593
feign1690
to get up1828
the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > condition or state of being mixed or blended > mix or blend [verb (transitive)] > prepare by mixing
mingOE
meddlec1350
compoundc1384
temper1390
mix1482
comfit1483
confect1575
mingle1587
to make up1649
concoct1676
amalgamate1821
to rub in1844
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 10 In cold I brenne and frese in hete: And thanne I drinke a biter swete With dreie lippe and yhen wete. Lo, thus I tempre mi diete.
1542 N. Udall tr. Erasmus Apophthegmes f. 195 He wrote..to Pausanias his physician that he should..tempre drynkes and medecines for hym.
a1569 A. Kingsmill Viewe Mans Estate (1580) ix. 44 But there is a strong medicine a temperyng.
1600 P. Holland tr. Livy Rom. Hist. viii. xviii. 294 That certain dames of Rome..boiled and tempered ranke poisons (to kill their husbands).
1650 J. Bulwer Anthropometamorphosis 155 Sometimes they will temper a certain Colour, with Hens dung and Saffron.
†5. To restore the proper ‘temper’ or ‘temperament’ to; to bring into a good or desirable state of body or health; to cure, heal, refresh.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > healing > heal or cure [verb (transitive)]
lechnec900
helpc950
beetc975
healc1000
temperc1000
leechc1175
amendc1300
halec1330
soundc1374
sanec1386
warishc1386
defenda1400
rectifya1400
salve1411
lokenc1425
redress?c1425
recure?a1439
guarish1474
cure1526
medify1543
recover1548
resanate1599
sanate1623
sain1832
the world > health and disease > healing > heal or cure [verb (transitive)] > restore to health
healc1000
temperc1000
recoverc1330
covera1375
restorec1384
recovera1398
rectifya1400
revert1446
recruita1661
re-establish1664
to set up1686
to bring toa1796
reinstate1810
tinker1823
recuperate1849
to bring about1854
to pick up1857
to fetch round1870
re-edify1897
to pull round1900
c1000 Ælfric Homilies I. 474 Se ðe wile mid soðum læce~cræfte his lichaman getemprian, swa swa dyde se witega Isaias.
c1430 J. Lydgate Minor Poems (Percy Soc.) 196 Ayer of nature yevith inspiracioun..To tempre the spiritis by vertu vegetatiff.
1486 Bk. St. Albans b ij b Bot it tempur yowre hawke, that is to say ensayme yowre hawke with in .iiij. days, I meruell.
1561 J. Hollybush tr. H. Brunschwig Most Excellent Homish Apothecarye f. 44v He may drinke a litle wyne vpon it, to tempere hys mouth of the bitternesse.
1613 S. Purchas Pilgrimage iii. xvii. 284 Gallus, a riuer..the waters whereof, temperatly drunken, did exceedingly temper the braine, and take away madnes.
6. To bring into a suitable or desirable frame of mind; to dispose favourably, to persuade; also, to appease, mollify, pacify. Obsolete or archaic.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > motivation > persuasion > persuade (a person) [verb (transitive)]
leada1225
accoya1375
form1399
persuadec1450
persuadec1487
practise1524
temper1525
work1532
suade1548
perduce1563
to draw on1567
overdraw1603
possess1607
bring1611
sway1625
tickle1677
tamper1687
to touch up1796
to put the comether on someone1818
society > society and the community > dissent > absence of dissension or peace > bringing about concord or peace > bring to peace (strife or discord) [verb (transitive)] > appease or propitiate
soft?c1225
queema1325
appeasec1374
pleasea1382
softena1382
mollifya1450
pacifya1500
apeace1523
temper1525
mitigatea1535
qualify?c1550
thaw1582
propitiate1583
aslake1590
smooth1608
to lay down1629
addulce1655
sweeten1657
acquiesce1659
gentle1663
palliate1678
placate1678
conciliate1782
to pour oil on the waters (also on troubled waters)1847
square1859
square1945
1525 Ld. Berners tr. J. Froissart Cronycles II. xci. [lxxxvii.] 271 If he be nat reasonable, the duke of Berrey and the duke of Burgoyne wyll so temper hym, that ye shal be frendes and cosyn to the kynge.
1546 in State Papers Henry VIII (1852) XI. 44 How moch the Emperour hath doone soo to tempre the French King, it appered in his last bargayn with Fraunce.
1594 W. Shakespeare Titus Andronicus iv. iv. 109 Now will I to that old Andronicus, And temper him with all the Art I haue, To plucke proude Lucius from the warlike Gothes. View more context for this quotation
1678 W. Temple Let. to Sir L. Jenkins in Wks. (1731) II. 470 I found both the King and the Duke growing so angry upon it, that I thought it my part to temper them as far as I could.
1710 R. Steele Tatler No. 194. ⁋7 The Lady so well tempered and reconciled them both, that she forced them to join Hands.
1874 H. Bushnell Forgiveness & Law 59 Is it true that God must be gained or tempered transactionally..in order to the letting forth of grace upon his enemies?
II. Senses relating to regulation or restraint.
7. To keep, conduct, or manage in just measure; to regulate; to control, direct, guide, rule, govern, overrule. Obsolete exc. dialect.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > control > [verb (transitive)]
wieldeOE
redeOE
temperc1000
wisc1000
yemec1000
aweldc1175
guy13..
rule1340
attemperc1374
stightlea1375
justifya1393
governa1400
moder1414
control1495
moderate1534
rein1557
manage1560
sway1587
to bear (a rein) upon1603
bridle1615
ephorize1647
puppet1840
coact1855
boss1856
run1869
swing1873
c1000 Sax. Leechd. III. 250 Ac heo [seo sunne] temprað ða eorðlican wæstmas ægðer ge on wæstme ge on ripunge.
a1340 R. Rolle Pricke of Conscience 7616 Þai [the heavens] tempre þe streng[t]he of alle þe elementes.
a1400 Coer de L. 659 Kyng Rychard the fyre bet, Thomas to the spytte hym set, Fouk Doyly tempryd the wood.
c1400 J. Gower In Praise of Peace 160 Though thou the werres darst wel undirtake, Aftir reson yit tempre thi corage.
c1440 Promptorium Parvulorum 488/1 Temporyn, or sette yn mesure, tempero.
1528 W. Tyndale Obed. Christen Man f. cxlviijv All the Apostles chose two..and cast lottes desyringe God to temper them that the lotte myght fall on the most ablest.
1576 S. Gosson Speculum Humanum in H. Kerton tr. Pope Innocent III Mirror Mans Lyfe (new ed.) sig. Kviij Thou God..that..turnes the spheares, and tempers all on hie.
1591 E. Spenser Prosopopoia in Complaints 1294 His snakie wand, With which the damned ghosts he governeth, And furies rules and Tartare tempereth.
1659 J. Leak tr. I. de Caus New Inventions Water-works 32 There is a Pipe with a Cock..which serves to temper the course of the Water.
1725 E. Fenton in A. Pope et al. tr. Homer Odyssey I. iv. 326 Supremest Jove Tempers the fates of human race above.
1835 D. Webster Orig. Sc. Rhymes 152 This birkie bodie can wi' speed, Temper yer ilka thrum and thread.
8.
a. To restrain within due limits, or within the bounds of moderation; in later use often simply, to restrain, check, curb.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > restrained or moderate behaviour > make moderate (behaviour) [verb (transitive)]
tempera1050
methea1200
measure1340
refrainc1384
attemperc1386
obtempera1492
temperatea1568
obtemperate1575
soberize1707
society > authority > subjection > restraint or restraining > restrain [verb (transitive)] > hold in check
bridleOE
tempera1050
chastec1230
to hold inc1300
straina1340
stintc1366
attemperc1380
restraina1387
rulea1391
ward1390
coarctc1400
obtemper?a1425
to hold or keep (a person) shortc1425
compesce1430
stent1488
coactc1520
repressa1525
compress1526
control1548
snaffle1555
temperatea1568
brank1574
halter1577
curb1588
shortena1599
to bear (a rein) upon1603
check1629
coerceate1657
bit1825
throttle1862
hold1901
a1050 Liber Scintill. (1889) xxviii. 107 Forþi hi na tempredon [L. non temperauerunt] gefernysse hætan.
1297 R. Gloucester's Chron. (Rolls) 1624 He dude hom ssame ynou & temprede hom vol wel & made hom sone milde ynou þo hii were rebel.
c1394 P. Pl. Crede 743 To toilen wiþ þe erþe, Tylen & trewliche lyven & her flech tempren.
c1400 (?c1380) Cleanness l. 775 Ȝif þou tynez þat toun, tempre þyn yre.
c1400 Brut 31 Lud his sone..gouernede wel þe lande, and miche honourrede gode folc, and temprede and amendit wickede folc.
a1538 T. Starkey Dial. Pole & Lupset (1989) 81 Yf we coude fynd a way to tempur & refrayne thayr malyce.
1599 Warning for Faire Women ii. 737 Learne to temper your excessive griefe.
1777 W. Robertson Hist. Amer. II. v. 81 Cortes..was more solicitous to temper than to inflame their ardour.
1821 Ld. Byron Sardanapalus i. ii. 25 Since they are tumultuous, Let them be temper'd, yet not roughly.
†b. reflexive. To control or restrain oneself. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
c1000 Ælfric Homilies I. 360 An is, þæt gehwa hine sylfne getemprige mid gemete on æte and on wæte.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 17244 For-sak þi serc o silk and line, And temper þe wit alle and wine.
1531 T. Elyot Bk. named Gouernour iii. xxiii. sig. Gviii He coulde nat tempre him selfe in redyng Greke bokes whyles the Senate was sittynge.
1600 P. Holland tr. Livy Rom. Hist. v. xlv. 209 So as they could scarcely temper themselves and forbeare, but presently set upon them.
1651 T. Hobbes Philos. Rudim. vii. §4. 114 I wish that not onely Kings, but all other Persons..would so temper themselves as to commit no wrong.
†c. reflexive. To restrain oneself or refrain from (†of).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > restrained or moderate behaviour > exercise moderation or restraint [verb (reflexive)]
hold971
withholdc1200
containc1290
keep1340
restraina1387
refrainc1450
retaina1500
attemper1548
retract1548
temper1560
reserve1586
check1833
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cv Warnyng men to tempre them selues from entryng in to wycked warres.
1561 T. Norton tr. J. Calvin Inst. Christian Relig. i. f. 42 If the readers will temper them of curiositie, and not more gredily than mete is, seke for combersome and entangled disputations.
a1657 W. Burton Comm. Antoninus his Itinerary (1658) 180 I could not temper my self..from causing his discourse to be transcribed hither.
9. To regulate suitably to need or requirement; to fit, adapt, conform, accommodate, make suitable. Const. to. Now rare or Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > adaptation or adjustment > adapt or adjust [verb (transitive)] > adapt or adjust to
attemper1393
temper1530
sort1561
accommodate1579
square1583
commodate1611
contemperate1656
gear1900
1530 Myroure Oure Ladye (Fawkes) (1873) ii. 86 The sufferaunce of god, whyche temperyth all thynges to hys seruauntes, as they may bere to theyr mooste profyt.
1574 J. Baret Aluearie T 93 To Temper his talke to the fantasie and pleasure of, &c.
1649 J. Milton Εικονοκλαστης i. 5 They were indeed not temper'd to his temper.
1662 E. Stillingfleet Origines Sacræ ii. v. §8 God tempered the Ceremoniall Law much according to the condition and capacity of the persons it was prescribed to.
1665 T. Manley tr. H. Grotius De Rebus Belgicis 243 If the one King..had tempered himself and his Laws, according to the strength and prevalence of parties.
III. Various technical uses.
10. To bring (clay, mortar, etc.) to a proper consistence for use by mixing and working it up with water, etc. Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > industry > manufacturing processes > perform general or industrial manufacturing processes [verb (transitive)] > render plastic > mix with liquid to working consistency
tempera1387
a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1865) I. 271 Whan þat stoon is i-tempred wiþ water and torned to playstre.
a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Fairf. 14) l. 22940 Quen he [sc. a potter] his new vessel for-dos & hit be noȝt vn-to his pay, al now he tempris his clay.
c1400 Brut 57 Wille ȝe slee me for my blode forto temper wiþ ȝoure morter?
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Ecclus. xxxviii. 30 He fashioneth the claye with his arme, and with his fete he tempereth it.
1617 F. Moryson Itinerary i. 32 Lime tempered, not with water, but with wine, incredibly durable.
1719 E. Young Busiris v. 56 Yes, I will..temper all my Cement with their Blood.
1884 C. T. Davis Pract. Treat. Manuf. Bricks (1889) v. 130 The object of tempering the clay is to thoroughly mix it, and prepare the material for the use of the moulder.
†11.
a. To moisten (a substance, usually medicinal or culinary ingredients in a comminuted state) so as to form a paste or mixture; to mix to a paste.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > constitution of matter > density or solidity > viscosity > make viscous or thicken [verb (transitive)] > make into a paste or plaster
plastera1400
temperc1400
impaste1576
emplasticate1657
stodgea1825
the world > relative properties > wholeness > mutual relation of parts to whole > condition or state of being mixed or blended > mix or blend [verb (transitive)] > to form a paste
mouldc1390
temperc1400
paste?a1425
c1400 Mandeville's Trav. (Roxb.) xxi. 94 Take þe lefes..and stampe þam and tempre þam with water and drink it.
c1400 Rom. Rose 4180 A plastre dolorous..Which is not tempred with vynegre, But with poverte & indigence.
c1440 Anc. Cookery in Coll. Ordinances Royal Househ. (1790) 426 Take soden porke and grynde hit smal, and tempur hit with rawe yolkes of eyren.
1563 T. Gale Certaine Wks. Chirurg. iv. ii. f. 14v The herbes must be mixed and tempered with Axungia.
1668 N. Culpeper & A. Cole tr. T. Bartholin Anat. (new ed.) i. ix. 22 Some moisture to temper the meat and make it liquid.
1674 J. Ray Smelting Silver in Coll. Eng. Words 115 With water tempered into a past to a due quality.
b. spec. in Painting: To prepare (colours) for use by mixing them with oil, etc.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > visual arts > painting and drawing > equipment for painting or drawing > [verb (transitive)] > mix colours with oil
temper1531
1531 T. Elyot Bk. named Gouernour iii. xviii. sig. eij In temperynge his colours he lacked good size, wherwith they shulde have ben bounden & made to endure.
1691 J. Ray Wisdom of God 81 The most skilful Painter cannot so mingle and temper his Colours.
1837 F. Palgrave Merchant & Friar (1844) 9 The metallic or body colours are to be tempered or mixed with oil.
1859 G. A. Sala Gaslight & Daylight ii. 25 Colours..ground in water, and subsequently tempered with size.
†12. To steep or dissolve (a substance) in a liquid (cf. tramp v.2); figurative to drench, suffuse. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > liquid > condition of being or making wet > action or process of soaking or steeping > soak or steep [verb (transitive)]
imbibec1386
steepc1400
soaka1425
temper1490
delay1526
imbruea1575
seethe1599
embalm1623
imbute1657
infund1657
elixate1658
puddle1701
sug1706
sop1853
1490 Caxton's Blanchardyn & Eglantine (1962) 147 Wyth eyen all tempred wyth teerys.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 754/1 I temper, I laye breed or other thynges in stepe... You muste temper your breed in vynayger.
1600 P. Holland tr. Livy Rom. Hist. xxx. xv. 750 Which [poison] hee commaunded him to temper in a goblet of wine, and to carie it to Sophonisba.
1669 S. Sturmy Mariners Mag. vii. xxxiv. 50 Take blew Smalts, temper it in Water, and rub the Picture with it.
†13. transitive. To soften (iron, wax, etc.) by heating; to melt. Also intransitive for passive. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > liquid > making or becoming liquid > action or process of melting > melt [verb (transitive)] > metals, wax, etc.
temper1535
to run down1678
society > occupation and work > industry > working with specific materials > working with metal > work with metal [verb (transitive)] > heat > melt
yeteOE
wella1250
melt1535
temper1535
to melt downa1586
conflate1664
lump1797
sweat1883
to melt up1888
1535 Bible (Coverdale) Isa. xliv. B The smyth taketh yron, and tempreth it with hote coles, and fashioneth it with hammers.
1590 J. Smythe Certain Disc. Weapons 19 b The Archers did vse to temper with fire a conuenient quantitie of waxe, rosen, and fine tallowe together.
1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 iv. ii. 126 I haue him already tempring betweene my finger and my thumb, and shortly will I seale with him. View more context for this quotation
14.
a. To bring (steel) to a suitable degree of hardness and elasticity or resiliency by heating it to the required temperature and immersing it, while hot, in some liquid, usually cold water; applied also to the hardening of copper, etc. Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > industry > working with specific materials > working with metal > work with metal [verb (transitive)] > harden, temper, or anneal
temperc1381
allay1409
neal1558
harden1560
anneal1662
season1731
reanneal1850
attemper1869
c1381 G. Chaucer Parl. Foules 214 I say Cupide..hise arwis forge & file..And wel his doughtyr temperede al this whyle The heuedis in the welle.
14.. Tundale's Vis. 1059 As men shulde temper irne or stele.
1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 754/1 They have a great advauntage in Spayne, to temper their blades well, bycause of the nature of their ryvers.
1603 P. Holland tr. Plutarch Morals 115 We must doe as the Smithes who temper yron: For when they have given it a fire, and made it by that meanes soft, loose and pliable, they drench and dip it in cold water, whereby it becommeth compact and hard, taking thereby the due temperature of stiffe steele.
1758 A. Reid tr. P. J. Macquer Elements Theory & Pract. Chym. I. 64 The hardness of Steel may be considerably augmented by tempering it; that is, by making it red-hot, and suddenly quenching it in some cold liquor.
1881 Metal World No. 8. 121 This they converted into the purest steel, and tempered to the hardest and yet the most elastic pitch.
b. intransitive (for passive).
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > materials > derived or manufactured material > metal > metal in specific state or form > [verb (intransitive)] > undergo tempering or hardening
neala1626
harden1833
temper1881
work-harden1924
strain-harden1959
1881 Trans. Amer. Inst. Mining Engineers 1880–1 9 185 s.v. A metallic compound in which these qualities [hardness and elasticity] can thus be produced is said to temper, or to take temper.
1884 W. H. Greenwood Steel & Iron xvii. §669 Mild steel containing from 0·05 to 0·20 per cent. of carbon will weld, but does not temper.
c. transitive. To reduce the brittleness in (hardened steel) by reheating it to a certain temperature and allowing it to cool. Cf. anneal v. 2c.
ΘΚΠ
society > occupation and work > industry > working with specific materials > working with metal > work with metal [verb (transitive)] > harden, temper, or anneal > reduce brittleness of hardened steel
temper1925
1925 Jrnl. Iron & Steel Inst. 111 334 Careful observations made on specimens which had been tempered just below 200°C.
1967 A. H. Cottrell Introd. Metall. xx. 384 If plain carbon or low-alloy steels are tempered below about 250°C they usually remain somewhat brittle.
†15.
a. To tune, adjust the pitch of (a musical instrument). Obsolete except as in 15b.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > music > musical sound > pitch > tuning or intonation > tune [verb (transitive)]
temperc1300
set?1473
tune1505
entune1523
modulatec1570
retune1606
to tune upa1718
attune1728
c1300 Prov. Hending x, in Salomon & Sat., etc. (1848) 272 He nul no gle bygynne er he haue tempred is pype.
1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis III. 301 He takth the Harpe and in his wise He tempreth, and of such assise Singende he harpeth forth withal.
?1578 W. Patten Let. Entertainm. Killingwoorth 53 For fyling hiz napkin, temperd a string or too with his wreast.
1593 Bacchus Bountie in Harl. Misc. (Malh.) II. 274 Whereupon M. Barlycap tempered up his fiddle, and began.
b. spec. To tune (a note or instrument) according to some temperament: see temperament n. 10. See also tempered adj. 1e.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > music > musical sound > pitch > tuning or intonation > tune [verb (transitive)] > according to temperament
temper1728
1728 E. Chambers Cycl. at Temperament To mend these imperfect Concords, the Musicians have bethought themselves to temper, i. e. give them part of the Agreeableness of perfect ones... All such Divisions of the Octave are call'd temper'd, or temperative Systems.
1788 T. Cavallo in Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 78 250 All the fifths, all the thirds, and in short all the chords of the same denomination, are equally tempered throughout.
1875 A. J. Ellis tr. H. L. F. von Helmholtz On Sensations of Tone iii. xvi. 509 It is clearly not necessary to temper the instruments to which the singer practises.
16. To bring into harmony, attune. Const. to. Obsolete or archaic.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > music > musical sound > pitch > tuning or intonation > tune [verb (transitive)] > bring into harmony
temperc1374
accord1485
attemper1579
attune1590
c1374 G. Chaucer tr. Boethius De Consol. Philos. (Cambr.) iii. met. xii. 84 And there he [sc. Orpheus] temprede hise blaundysshynge soonges by resownynge strenges.
1638 J. Milton Lycidas in Obsequies 21 in Justa Edouardo King Mean while the rurall ditties were not mute Temper'd to th' oaten flute.
1757 T. Gray Ode I i. iii, in Odes 6 Thee the voice, the dance, obey, Temper'd to thy warbled lay.
1860 J. W. Warter Sea-board & Down II. 367 If we make melody in our hearts, and if our souls are tempered to harmony, then is the Divinity enlarged within us.
17. To set or adjust the share and other parts of (a plough) in the proper position for making the furrow of the required depth and width. ? Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > tools and implements > ploughing equipment > [verb (transitive)] > adjust plough
temper?1523
?1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Husbandry f. iii All these maner of plowes shuld haue al lyke one maner of temperyng in the yrons.
?1523 J. Fitzherbert Bk. Husbandry f. iiv It is necessary for a husband to knowe howe these plowes shulde be tempred to plowe & turne clene and to make no rest balkes.
1844 H. Stephens Bk. of Farm I. 33 The ploughman will be able to afford him ocular proof how he places (tempers) all the irons of the plough in relation to the state of the land.
1844 H. Stephens Bk. of Farm I. 404 To ‘temper a plough’ is the great aim of the good ploughman.
†18. To regulate (a clock). Scottish. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > instruments for measuring time > clock > [verb (transitive)] > set
setc1400
temper1538
roll1583
rule1595
winda1616
to wind upa1616
to set forwarda1627
to set back1635
regulate1665
to put back1704
to put forward1741
to put on1826
time1873
1538 in J. Stuart Extracts Council Reg. Aberdeen (1844) I. 157 For his gud seruice to be done in keiping and temporing of thair knok within the tolbutht, for his fee.
1592–3 in Spottiswoode Misc. (1845) II. 269 Wnderstanding the great pains and travels of Archibald Stedman in tempering the knock.
19. To increase the pliability of straw for corn-dolly making by dampening it with water.
ΘΚΠ
the world > food and drink > farming > animal husbandry > animal keeping practices general > [verb (transitive)] > bed down > soften straw
temper1963
1963 M. Lambeth Golden Dolly 11 When plaiting out of season it is necessary to temper the straw.
1976 S. J. Reid Art of Weaving Corn Dollies 9 After a period of storage.., straw dries out... To restore it to a supple condition it is necessary to temper (or dampen) the straw.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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