Emily Dickinson Lexicon

TEM'PER, n.

1. Due mixture of different qualities; or the state of any compound substance which results from the mixture of various ingredients; as, the temper of mortar.
2. Constitution of body. [In this sense we more generally use temperament.]
3. Disposition of mind; the constitution of the mind, particularly with regard to the passions and affections; as, a calm temper; a hasty temper; a fretful temper. This is applicable to beasts as well as to man. Remember with what mild / And gracious temper he both heard and judg'd. Milton.
4. Calmness of mind; moderation. Restore yourselves to your tempers, fathers. B. Jonson. To fall with dignity, with temper rise. Pope.
5. Heat of mind or passion; irritation. The boy showed a great deal of temper when I reproved him. So we say, a man of violent temper, when we speak of his irritability. [This use of the word is common, though a deviation from its original and genuine meaning.]
6. The state of a metal, particularly as to its hardness; as, the temper of iron or steel. Sharp.
7. Middle course; mean or medium. Swift.
8. In sugar works, white lime or other substance stirred into a clarifier filled with cane-juice, to neutralize the superabundant acid. Edwards, W. Indies.