In-tĕm′per-ance, n.

n. [Prefix in, not, and temperance; Lat. intemperantia, Fr. intempérance, Sp. intemperancia, It. intemperanzia, intemperanza.] 1. Want of moderation or due restraint; excess in any kind of action or indulgence; any exertion of body or mind, or any indulgence of appetites or passions which is injurious to the person or contrary to morality.

God is in every creature; be cruel toward none, neither abuse any by intemperance. Bp. Taylor. 2. Habitual indulgence in drinking spirituous liquors, with or without intoxication.

Some, as thou sawest, by violent stroke shall die, By fire, flood, famine, by intemperance more In meats and drinks. Milton. 3. The act of becoming, or state of being, intemperate; an intemperate act; an excess; indulgence; as, one of these intemperances was fatal to him.