3. (Metal.)
Defn: To bring to a proper degree of hardness; as, to temper iron or
steel.
The tempered metals clash, and yield a silver sound. Dryden.
4. To govern; to manage. [A Latinism & Obs.] With which the damned ghosts he governeth, And furies rules, and Tartare tempereth. Spenser.
5. To moisten to a proper consistency and stir thoroughly, as clay for making brick, loam for molding, etc.
6. (Mus.)
Defn: To adjust, as the mathematical scale to the actual scale, or to that in actual use.
Syn.
— To soften; mollify; assuage; soothe; calm.
TEMPER
Tem"per, n.
1. The state of any compound substance which results from the mixture of various ingredients; due mixture of different qualities; just combination; as, the temper of mortar.
2. Constitution of body; temperament; in old writers, the mixture or relative proportion of the four humors, blood, choler, phlegm, and melancholy. The exquisiteness of his [Christ's] bodily temper increased the exquisiteness of his torment. Fuller.