Dictionary entry

Attemper

Webster's Dictionary 1913

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.

If sweet with bitter... were not attempered still.

Trench.

2. To soften, mollify, or moderate; to soothe; to temper; as, to attemper rigid justice with clemency.

3. To mix in just proportion; to regulate; as, a mind well attempered with kindness and justice.

4. To accommodate; to make suitable; to adapt.

Arts... attempered to the lyre.

Pope.

☞ This word is now not much used, the verb temper taking its place.