† temperure Obs.
Also 4–5 temprure, temperour(e.
[a. OF. temprëure (12th c. in Godef.):—L. temperātūra: see temperature.]
1. Tempering; concr. tempering liquid, etc.
| 1388 Wyclif Ezek. xiii. 14, Y schal distrie the wal, which ȝe pargetiden with out temperure [1382 temperynge; Vulg. absque temperamento]. c 1400 Rom. Rose 4177 The temprure of the mortere Was maad of licour wonder dere. 1426 Lydg. De Guil. Pilgr. 23524 Of their morter the temprure, Founded vppoun charyte, Of concord and fraternyte. |
2. Adjustment of pitch, tuning; tunefulness.
| 1390 Gower Conf. I. 39 Arion, Which hadde an harpe of such temprure, And therto of so good mesure [etc.]. Ibid. III. 303 Of hire Harpe the temprure He tawhte hire ek. |
3. Condition of the weather or climate; esp. temperate or good condition; = temperature 6.
| 1387 Trevisa Higden (Rolls) I. 179 Good corn contray, where þere is good temperure of heuene and of wedir [coeli temperies]. Ibid. II. 291 Þe temperure þat comeþ of hiȝnesse and lownesse of sterres and planetes, comeþ aȝen to temperure at þe fiftiþe ȝere. a 1485 Fortescue Wks. (1869) 477 Temperour of the ayre, clerenes of the sea. |
4. = temper n. 5 (of steel, etc.), temperature 8.
| c 1407 Lydg. Reson & Sens. 1191 A bryght helme..of swych temprure, That pollex swerde ne noon armure May do therto no violence. c 1440 Partonope 1943 Hawbrek..of goode mesure Mighty and strong and of good temperure. |
5. Temperance, self-control, moderation.
| c 1380 Wyclif Sel. Wks. II. 256 Þe þridde vertue..is temperoure in oure dede. c 1440 Jacob's Well 142 Glotonye is, whan þou hast a talent, wyth-outyn temperure & mesure, to mete or drynke. |