Moderation, n.
Etymology: [L. moderatio: cf. F. modération.]
1. The act of moderating, or of imposing due restraint.
2. The state or quality of being mmoderate. In moderation placing all my glory, While Tories call me Whig, and Whigs a Tory. Pope.
3. Calmness of mind; equanimity; as, to bear adversity with moderation. The calm and judicious moderation of Orange. Motley.
4. pl.
1 more senses
The first public examinations for degrees at the University of Oxford; -- usually contracted to mods.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for moderation; he lists it under abstinence.
Where he writes about it:
Abstinence from food commonly signifies going without; abstemiousness, partaking moderately; abstinence may be for a single occasion, abstemiousness is habitual moderation. — from abstinence