temperance Hear it!

temperance definition

tem·per·ance (tem′pər əns, -prəns)

noun

  1. the state or quality of being temperate; self-restraint in conduct, expression, indulgence of the appetites, etc.; moderation
  2. moderation in drinking alcoholic liquors or total abstinence from alcoholic liquors

Etymology: ME < MFr < L temperantia, moderation, sobriety < prp. of temperare: see temper

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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