What is "attempering"

Attemper \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.

   Note: This word is now not much used, the verb temper taking its place.

vb. (present participle of attemper English)