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 : restraint
2 a : habitual moderation in the indulgence of the appetites or passions b : moderation in or abstinence from the use of alcoholic beverages