MODERATE (3)

Mod″er‐ate (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Moderated (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Moderating.] 1. 1. To restrain from excess of any kind; to reduce from a state of violence, intensity, or excess; to keep within bounds; to make temperate; to lessen; to allay; to repress; to temper; to qualify; as, to moderate rage, action, desires, etc.; to moderate heat or wind.
By its astringent quality, it moderates the relaxing quality of warm water. Arbuthnot. To moderate stiff minds disposed to strive. Spenser. 2. 2. To preside over, direct, or regulate, as a public meeting; as, to moderate a synod.