from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Temperance \Tem"per*ance\, n. [L. temperantia: cf. F.
temp['e]rance. See {Temper}, v. t.]
1. Habitual moderation in regard to the indulgence of the
natural appetites and passions; restrained or moderate
indulgence; moderation; as, temperance in eating and
drinking; temperance in the indulgence of joy or mirth;
specifically, moderation, and sometimes abstinence, in
respect to using intoxicating liquors.
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2. Moderation of passion; patience; calmness; sedateness.
[R.] "A gentleman of all temperance." --Shak.
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He calmed his wrath with goodly temperance.
--Spenser.
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3. State with regard to heat or cold; temperature. [Obs.]
"Tender and delicate temperance." --Shak.
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{Temperance society}, an association formed for the purpose
of diminishing or stopping the use of alcoholic liquors as
a beverage.
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