The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
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]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Temper screw \Tem"per screw\
1. A screw link, to which is attached the rope of a
rope-drilling apparatus, for feeding and slightly turning
the drill jar at each stroke.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]
2. A set screw used for adjusting.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]