attemper Meaning, Definition & Usage

At*tem"per transitive verb

Etymology

OF. atemprer, fr. L. attemperare; ad + temperare to soften, temper. See Temper, and cf. Attemperate.

Wordforms

imperfect & past participle Attempered present participle & verbal noun Attempering

Definitions

1. To reduce, modify, or moderate, by mixture; to temper; to regulate, as temperature.

   If sweet with bitter . . . were not attempered still. Trench.

2. To soften, mollify, or moderate; to soothe; to temper; as, to attemper rigid justice with clemency.
3. To mix in just proportion; to regulate; as, a mind well attempered with kindness and justice.
4. To accommodate; to make suitable; to adapt.

   Arts . . . attempered to the lyre. Pope.

   ✍ This word is now not much used, the verb temper taking its place.