Tem″per‐ance (?), 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.
2. Moderation of passion; patience; calmness; sedateness. “A gentleman of all temperance.” Shak.
He calmed his wrath with goodly temperance. Spenser.
3. State with regard to heat or cold; temperature. “Tender and delicate temperance.” Shak.
Temperance society, an association formed for the purpose of diminishing or stopping the use of alcoholic liquors as a beverage.