Main Entry:

tem·per·ance

Pronunciation:

\ˈtem-p(ə-)rən(t)s, -pərn(t)s\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin temperantia, from temperant-, temperans, present participle of temperare to moderate, be moderate

Date:

14th century

1: moderation in action, thought, or feeling : restraint2 a: habitual moderation in the indulgence of the appetites or passions b: moderation in or abstinence from the use of alcoholic beverages