Mod"er*ance (?), n. Moderation. [Obs.] Caxton.
Mod"er*ate (?), a. [L. moderatus, p. p. of moderate, moderati, to
moderate, regulate, control, fr. modus measure. See Mode.] Kept within
due bounds; observing reasonable limits; not excessive, extreme,
violent, or rigorous; limited; restrained; as: (a) Limited in quantity;
sparing; temperate; frugal; as, moderate in eating or drinking; a
moderate table. (b) Limited in degree of activity, energy, or
excitement; reasonable; calm; slow; as, moderate language; moderate
endeavors. (c) Not extreme in opinion, in partisanship, and the like;
as, a moderate Calvinist.
A number of moderate members managed . . . to obtain a majority in
a thin house.
Swift.
(d) Not violent or rigorous; temperate; mild; gentle; as, a moderate
winter. "Moderate showers." Walter. (e) Limited as to degree of
progress; as, to travel at moderate speed. (f) Limited as to the degree
in which a quality, principle, or faculty appears; as, an infusion of
moderate strength; a man of moderate abilities. (g) Limited in scope or
effects; as, a reformation of a moderate kind. Hooker.
Mod"er*ate, n. (Eccl. Hist.) One of a party in the Church of Scotland
in the 18th century, and part of the 19th, professing moderation in
matters of church government, in discipline, and in doctrine.
Mod"er*ate (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Moderated (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Moderating.] 1. To restrain from excess of any kind; to reduce from a
state of violence, intensity, or excess; to keep within bounds; to make
temperate; to lessen; to allay; to repress; to temper; to qualify; as,
to moderate rage, action, desires, etc.; to moderate heat or wind.
By its astringent quality, it moderates the relaxing quality of
warm water.
Arbuthnot.
To moderate stiff minds disposed to strive.
Spenser.
2. To preside over, direct, or regulate, as a public meeting; as, to
moderate a synod.
Mod"er*ate, v. i. 1. To become less violent, severe, rigorous, or
intense; as, the wind has moderated.