Temperance, n.
Etymology: [L. temperantia: cf. F. tempérance. See Temper, v. t.]
1. Habitual moderation in regard to the indulgence of the natural appetites and passions; restrained or moderate indulgence; moderation; as, temperance in eating and drinking; temperance in the indulgence of joy or mirth; specifically, moderation, and sometimes abstinence, in respect to using intoxicating liquors.
2. Moderation of passion; patience; calmness; sedateness. [R.] "A gentleman of all temperance." Shak. He calmed his wrath with goodly temperance. Spenser.
3. State with regard to heat or cold; temperature. [Obs.] "Tender and delicate temperance." Shak. Temperance society, an association formed for the purpose of diminishing or stopping the use of alcoholic liquors as a beverage.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for temperance; he lists it under abstinence.
Where he writes about it:
Sobriety and temperance signify maintaining a quiet, even temper by moderate indulgence in some things, complete abstinence from others. — from abstinence
We speak of temperance in eating, but of abstinence from vice. — from abstinence