from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Attemper \At*tem"per\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Attempered}; p. pr.
& vb. n. {Attempering}.] [OF. atemprer, fr. L. attemperare;
ad + temperare to soften, temper. See {Temper}, and cf.
{Attemperate}.]
1. To reduce, modify, or moderate, by mixture; to temper; to
regulate, as temperature.
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If sweet with bitter . . . were not attempered
still. --Trench.
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2. To soften, mollify, or moderate; to soothe; to temper; as,
to attemper rigid justice with clemency.
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3. To mix in just proportion; to regulate; as, a mind well
attempered with kindness and justice.
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4. To accommodate; to make suitable; to adapt.
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Arts . . . attempered to the lyre. --Pope.
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Note: This word is now not much used, the verb temper taking
its place.
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