Attemper

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  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.


        [1913 Webster]
  
              If sweet with bitter . . . were not attempered
              still.                                --Trench.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. To soften, mollify, or moderate; to soothe; to temper; as,
        to attemper rigid justice with clemency.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. To mix in just proportion; to regulate; as, a mind well
        attempered with kindness and justice.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     4. To accommodate; to make suitable; to adapt.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Arts . . . attempered to the lyre.    --Pope.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: This word is now not much used, the verb temper taking
           its place.
           [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  attemper
       v : modify the temperature of; "attemper the air"