Word Study
contemper
CIDE DICTIONARY
contemper, v. t. [L. contemperare, -temperatum; con- + temperare to temper. Cf. Contemperate.].
To modify or temper; to allay; to qualify; to moderate; to soften. [1913 Webster]
"The antidotes . . . have allayed its bitterness and contempered its malignancy." [1913 Webster]
ROGET THESAURUS
contemper
Moderation
VB be moderate, keep within bounds, keep within compass, sober down, settle down, keep the peace, remit, relent, take in sail, moderate, soften, mitigate, temper, accoy, attemper, contemper, mollify, lenify, dulcify, dull, take off the edge, blunt, obtund, sheathe, subdue, chasten, sober down, tone down, smooth down, weaken, lessen, check palliate, tranquilize, pacify, assuage, appease, swag, lull, soothe, compose, still, calm, calm down, cool, quiet, hush, quell, sober, pacify, tame, damp, lay, allay, rebate, slacken, smooth, alleviate, rock to sleep, deaden, smooth, throw cold water on, throw a wet blanket over, turn off, slake, curb, tame, smooth over, pour oil on the waves, pour oil on the troubled waters, pour balm into, mattre de l'eau dans son vin, go out like a lamb, roar you as gently as any sucking dove.For further exploring for "contemper" in Webster Dictionary Online