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 becoming identical with D, 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.
Tem`per*a*men"tal (?), a. Of or pertaining to temperament;
constitutional. [R.] Sir T. Browne.
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.
Tem"per*an*cy (?), n. Temperance.
Tem"per*ate (?), a. [L. temperatus, p. p. of temperare. See Temper, v.
t.] 1. Moderate; not excessive; as, temperate heat; a temperate
climate.
2. Not marked with passion; not violent; cool; calm; as, temperate
language.
She is not hot, but temperate as the morn.
Shak.
That sober freedom out of which there springs Our loyal passion for our
temperate kings.
Tennyson.
3. Moderate in the indulgence of the natural appetites or passions; as,
temperate in eating and drinking.
Be sober and temperate, and you will be healthy.
Franklin.