Temper screw

Temper Tem"per, n. 1. The state of any compound substance which results from the mixture of various ingredients; due mixture of different qualities; just combination; as, the temper of mortar. [1913 Webster]

2. Constitution of body; temperament; in old writers, the mixture or relative proportion of the four humors, blood, choler, phlegm, and melancholy. [1913 Webster]

The exquisiteness of his [Christ's] bodily temper increased the exquisiteness of his torment. --Fuller. [1913 Webster]

3. Disposition of mind; the constitution of the mind, particularly with regard to the passions and affections; as, a calm temper; a hasty temper; a fretful temper. [1913 Webster]

Remember with what mild And gracious temper he both heared and judged. --Milton. [1913 Webster]

The consequents of a certain ethical temper. --J. H. Newman. [1913 Webster]

4. Calmness of mind; moderation; equanimity; composure; as, to keep one's temper. [1913 Webster]

To fall with dignity, with temper rise. --Pope. [1913 Webster]

Restore yourselves to your tempers, fathers. --B. Jonson. [1913 Webster]

5. Heat of mind or passion; irritation; proneness to anger; -- in a reproachful sense. [Colloq.] [1913 Webster]

6. The state of a metal or other substance, especially as to its hardness, produced by some process of heating or cooling; as, the temper of iron or steel. [1913 Webster]

7. Middle state or course; mean; medium. [R.] [1913 Webster]

The perfect lawgiver is a just temper between the mere man of theory, who can see nothing but general principles, and the mere man of business, who can see nothing but particular circumstances. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]

8. (Sugar Works) Milk of lime, or other substance, employed in the process formerly used to clarify sugar. [1913 Webster]

{Temper screw}, in deep well boring, an adjusting screw connecting the working beam with the rope carrying the tools, for lowering the tools as the drilling progresses. [1913 Webster]

Syn: Disposition; temperament; frame; humor; mood. See {Disposition}. [1913 Webster]