Distemperance

/dɪˈstɛmpərəns/ noun

Definition

The quality of being intemperate; lack of moderation or self-control, particularly regarding excess.

Etymology

From 'distemper' (dis- + temper, meaning imbalance) + '-ance' suffix forming abstract nouns, similar to 'temperance'.

Kelly Says

'Distemperance' was a favorite word of medieval moralists describing the sin of excessive eating, drinking, or indulgence—it's the loss of the internal 'tempering' that keeps us balanced.

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