%temperance%

n. Distemperature. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. intempérance, L. intemperantia. See In- not, and Temperance. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. The act of becoming, or state of being, intemperate; excess in any kind of action or indulgence; any immoderate indulgence of the appetites or passions. [ 1913 Webster ]

God is in every creature; be cruel toward none, neither abuse any by intemperance. Jer. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

Some, as thou sawest, by violent stroke shall die,
By fire, flood, famine, by intemperance more
In meats and drinks. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Specifically: Habitual or excessive indulgence in alcoholic liquors. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. temperantia: cf. F. tempérance. 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Moderation of passion; patience; calmness; sedateness. [ R. ] “A gentleman of all temperance.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

He calmed his wrath with goodly temperance. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. State with regard to heat or cold; temperature. [ Obs. ] “Tender and delicate temperance.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

Temperance society, an association formed for the purpose of diminishing or stopping the use of alcoholic liquors as a beverage. [ 1913 Webster ]