At*tem"per (#), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Attempered (#); p. pr. & vb. n. Attempering.] [OF. atemprer, fr. L. attemperare; ad + temperare to soften, temper. See Temper, and cf. Attemperate.]
1.
To reduce, modify, or moderate, by mixture; to temper; to regulate, as temperature.
If sweet with bitter . . . were not attempered still.
Trench.
2.
To soften, mollify, or moderate; to soothe; to temper; 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 make suitable; to adapt.
Arts . . . attempered to the lyre.
Pope.
⇒ This word is now not much used, the verb temper taking its place.
© Webster 1913.