from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Moderate \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.
[1913 Webster]
By its astringent quality, it moderates the relaxing
quality of warm water. --Arbuthnot.
[1913 Webster]
To moderate stiff minds disposed to strive.
--Spenser.
[1913 Webster]
2. To preside over, direct, or regulate, as a public meeting
or a discussion; as, to moderate a synod; to moderate a
debate.
[1913 Webster +PJC]