distemper

distemper

distemper¹ [dis tem′pər]

vt.

[ME distemperen < OFr destemprer or ML distemperare, to disorder (esp. the “tempers,” or four humors) < L dis-, apart + temperare, to mix in proportion: see TEMPER]

1. Obs. to make bad-tempered; disturb; ruffle

2. to upset or unbalance the functions of; derange; disorder

n.

1. a mental or physical derangement or disorder; disease

2. any of several infectious diseases of animals, characterized by rhinitis, fever, etc.; specif.,

a) an infectious viral disease of young dogs

b) strangles, a disease of horses

3. civil disorder or turmoil

distemper² [dis tem′pər]

vt.

[OFr destemprer < ML distemperare, to mix, dilute < L dis-, intens. + temperare: see DISTEMPER¹]

1. to mix (colors or pigments) with water and glue, size, or some other binding medium

2. to paint with such a mixture

n.

1. a method of painting using distempered pigment, as for wall decoration

2. a painting done in this way

3. distempered paint

4. any of various water-based paints, as whitewash, calcimine, etc.