Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Temper screw \Tem"per screw\
   1. A screw link, to which is attached the rope of a
      rope-drilling apparatus, for feeding and slightly turning
      the drill jar at each stroke.

   2. A set screw used for adjusting.

Temper \Tem"per\, n.
   1. The state of any compound substance which results from the
      mixture of various ingredients; due mixture of different
      qualities; just combination; as, the temper of mortar.

   2. Constitution of body; temperament; in old writers, the
      mixture or relative proportion of the four humors, blood,
      choler, phlegm, and melancholy.

            The exquisiteness of his [Christ's] bodily temper
            increased the exquisiteness of his torment.
                                                  --Fuller.

   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.

            Remember with what mild And gracious temper he both
            heared and judged.                    --Milton.

            The consequents of a certain ethical temper. --J. H.
                                                  Newman.

   4. Calmness of mind; moderation; equanimity; composure; as,
      to keep one's temper.

            To fall with dignity, with temper rise. --Pope.

            Restore yourselves to your tempers, fathers. --B.
                                                  Jonson.

   5. Heat of mind or passion; irritation; proneness to anger;
      -- in a reproachful sense. [Colloq.]

   6. The state of a metal or other substance, especially as to
      its hardness, produced by some process of heating or
      cooling; as, the temper of iron or steel.

   7. Middle state or course; mean; medium. [R.]

            The perfect lawgiver is a just temper between the
            mere man of theory, who can see nothing but general
            principles, and the mere man of business, who can
            see nothing but particular circumstances.
                                                  --Macaulay.

   8. (Sugar Works) Milk of lime, or other substance, employed
      in the process formerly used to clarify sugar.

   {Temper screw}, in deep well boring, an adjusting screw
      connecting the working beam with the rope carrying the
      tools, for lowering the tools as the drilling progresses.

   Syn: Disposition; temperament; frame; humor; mood. See
        {Disposition}.