temperance

• temperaunce (obsolete)

From Anglo-Norman temperance, from Latin temperantia (“moderation, sobriety, discretion, self-control”), from temperans, present participle of temperare (“to moderate”). See temper. English equivalent temper +‎ -ance.

• IPA^(key): /ˈtɛmpəɹəns/

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• Hyphenation: tem‧per‧ance

temperance (countable and uncountable, plural temperances)

1. Habitual moderation in regard to the indulgence of the natural appetites and passions; restrained or moderate indulgence

   temperance in eating and drinking

   temperance in the indulgence of joy

2. Moderation, and sometimes abstinence, in respect to using intoxicating liquors.
   • 1891, A[rthur] Conan Doyle, A Study in Scarlet. A Detective Story, 3rd edition, London; New York, N.Y.: Ward, Lock, Bowden, and Co., […], published 1892, OCLC 84167364:

     On these occasions I have noticed such a dreamy, vacant expression in his eyes, that I might have suspected him of being addicted to the use of some narcotic, had not the temperance and cleanliness of his whole life forbidden such a notion.

3. Moderation of passion

   Synonyms: patience, calmness, sedateness

4. (obsolete) State with regard to heat or cold; temperature.
   • 1610–1611 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tempest”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, OCLC 606515358, [Act II, scene i], line 41:

     It [the climate] must needs be of subtle, tender, and delicate temperance.

• intemperance
• gluttony

• (virtue): chastity, charity, diligence, patience, kindness, humility

• temper
• temperament
• temperamental
• temperature