transitive verb

1. Obsolete to make bad-tempered; disturb; ruffle
2. to upset or unbalance the functions of; derange; disorder

Etymology: ME distemperen < OFr destemprer or ML distemperare, to disorder (esp. the “tempers,” or four humors) < L dis-, apart + temperare, to mix in proportion: see temper

noun

1. a mental or physical derangement or disorder; disease
2. any of several infectious diseases of animals, characterized by rhinitis, fever, etc.; specif.,
   1. an infectious viral disease of young dogs
   2. strangles, a disease of horses
3. civil disorder or turmoil

transitive verb

1. to mix (colors or pigments) with water and glue, size, or some other binding medium
2. to paint with such a mixture

Etymology: OFr destemprer < ML distemperare, to mix, dilute < L dis-, intens. + temperare: see distemper

noun

1. a method of painting using distempered pigment, as for wall decoration
2. a painting done in this way
3. distempered paint
4. any of various water-based paints, as whitewash, calcimine, etc.