Emily Dickinson Lexicon

AT-TEM'PER, v.t. [L. attempero, of ad and tempero, to temper, mix, or moderate. See Temper.]

1. To reduce, modify or moderate by mixture; as, to attemper heat by a cooling mixture, or spirit by diluting it with water.
2. To soften, mollify or moderate; as, to attemper rigid justice with clemency.
3. To mix in just proportion; to regulate; as, a mind well attempered with kindness and justice.
4. To accommodate; to fit or make suitable. Arts attempered to the lyre. – Pope.