\Mod"er*ate\, a. [L. moderatus, p. p. of moderate,
moderati, to moderate, regulate, control, fr. modus measure.
See {Mode}.]
Kept within due bounds; observing reasonable limits; not
excessive, extreme, violent, or rigorous; limited;
restrained; as:
(a) Limited in quantity; sparing; temperate; frugal; as,
    moderate in eating or drinking; a moderate table.
(b) Limited in degree of activity, energy, or excitement;
    reasonable; calm; slow; as, moderate language; moderate
    endeavors.
(c) Not extreme in opinion, in partisanship, and the like;
    as, a moderate Calvinist.
          A number of moderate members managed . . . to
          obtain a majority in a thin house.   --Swift.
(d) Not violent or rigorous; temperate; mild; gentle; as, a
    moderate winter. ``Moderate showers.'' --Walter.
(e) Limited as to degree of progress; as, to travel at
    moderate speed.
(f) Limited as to the degree in which a quality, principle,
    or faculty appears; as, an infusion of moderate strength;
    a man of moderate abilities.
(g) Limited in scope or effects; as, a reformation of a
    moderate kind. --Hooker.

\Mod"er*ate\, n. (Eccl. Hist.)
One of a party in the Church of Scotland in the 18th century,
and part of the 19th, professing moderation in matters of
church government, in discipline, and in doctrine.

\Mod"er*ate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Moderated}; p. pr. &
vb. n. {Moderating}.]
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. To preside over, direct, or regulate, as a public meeting;
   as, to moderate a synod.

\Mod"er*ate\, v. i.
1. To become less violent, severe, rigorous, or intense; as,
   the wind has moderated.
2. To preside as a moderator.
         Dr. Barlow [was] engaged . . . to moderate for him
         in the divinity disputation.          --Bp. Barlow's
                                               Remains
                                               (1693).