At*tem"per (&?;), v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Attempered (&?;); p. pr. & vb. n.
Attempering.] [OF. atemprer, fr. L. attemperare;
ad + temperare to soften, temper. See Temper, and cf.
Attemperate.] 1. To reduce, modify, or
moderate, by mixture; to temper; to regulate, as temperature.
If sweet with bitter . . . were not attempered
still.
Trench.
2. To soften, mollify, or moderate; to soothe; to
temper; as, to attemper rigid justice with clemency.
3. To mix in just proportion; to regulate; as, a
mind well attempered with kindness and justice.
4. To accommodate; to make suitable; to
adapt.
Arts . . . attempered to the lyre.
Pope.
&fist; This word is now not much used, the verb temper taking its
place.
