At-tĕm’per, v. t.
v. t. [imp. & p. p. ATTEMPERED; p. pr. & vb. n. ATTEMPERING.] [Lat. attemperare, of ad and temperare, to soften, temper; O. Fr. attemper. See TEMPER.]
Sense 1. To reduce, modify, or moderate, by mixture, as, to attemper heat by a cooling mixture, or spirit by diluting it with water.
Sense 2. To soften, mollify, or moderate; as, to attemper rigid justice with clemency.
Sense 3. To mix in just proportion; to regulate; as, a mind well attempered with kindness and justice.
Sense 4. To accommodate; to make suitable; to adapt. “Arts . . . attempered to the lyre.” Pope.