moderate

n. (Eccl. Hist.) One of a party in the Church of Scotland in the 18th century, and part of the 19th, professing moderation in matters of church government, in discipline, and in doctrine. [ 1913 Webster ]

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 ]

v. i. 1. To become less violent, severe, rigorous, or intense; as, the wind has moderated. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To preside as a moderator. [ 1913 Webster ]

Dr. Barlow [ was ] engaged . . . to moderate for him in the divinity disputation. Bp. Barlow's Remains (1693). [ 1913 Webster ]

adj. having elements or qualities mixed in proper or suitable proportions; especially, made less severe. Contrasted with harsh.
Syn. -- qualified, tempered. [ WordNet 1.5 +PJC ]

adv. In a moderate manner or degree; to a moderate extent. [ 1913 Webster ]

Each nymph but moderately fair. Waller. [ 1913 Webster ]