Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Temperance \Tem"per*ance\, n. [L. temperantia: cf. F.
   temp['e]rance. See {Temper}, v. t.]
   1. Habitual moderation in regard to the indulgence of the
      natural appetites and passions; restrained or moderate
      indulgence; moderation; as, temperance in eating and
      drinking; temperance in the indulgence of joy or mirth;
      specifically, moderation, and sometimes abstinence, in
      respect to using intoxicating liquors.

   2. Moderation of passion; patience; calmness; sedateness.
      [R.] ``A gentleman of all temperance.'' --Shak.

            He calmed his wrath with goodly temperance.
                                                  --Spenser.

   3. State with regard to heat or cold; temperature. [Obs.]
      ``Tender and delicate temperance.'' --Shak.

   {Temperance society}, an association formed for the purpose
      of diminishing or stopping the use of alcoholic liquors as
      a beverage.

Source : WordNet®

temperance
     n 1: the trait of avoiding excesses [syn: {moderation}] [ant: {intemperance}]
     2: abstaining from excess [syn: {sobriety}]
     3: the act of tempering