temperance Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the trait of avoiding excesses
    moderation.
  2. noun abstaining from excess
    sobriety.
  3. noun the act of tempering

WordNet

Tem"per*ance noun
Etymology
L. temperantia: cf. F. tempérance. See Temper, v. t.
Definitions
  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.
  2. Moderation of passion; patience; calmness; sedateness. R. "A gentleman of all temperance." Shak.
    He calmed his wrath with goodly temperance. Spenser.
  3. State with regard to heat or cold; temperature. Obs. "Tender and delicate temperance." Shak.

Webster 1913