well-tempered

adjective

1

a

obsolete : properly constituted physically

a strong well-tempered stomach

—Algernon Sydney

b

: having a good or equable disposition

especially : good-natured

a discreet and well-tempered officer

—George Grote

2

: treated so as to develop the desired degree of hardness and elasticity

well-tempered steel

a well-tempered sword blade

3

: mixed to the proper consistency

—used especially of mortar and clay

Word History

Etymology

Middle English wel temperit, from wel well + temperit tempered

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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