Moderate /(?)/

1. Kept within due bounds; observing reasonable limits; not excessive, extreme, violent, or rigorous; limited; restrained

   A number of moderate members managed . . . to obtain a majority in a thin house.

2. Not violent or rigorous; temperate; mild; gentle; as, a moderate winter.

1. 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. (Eccl. Hist.)

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.

   To moderate stiff minds disposed to strive.

2. To preside over, direct, or regulate, as a public meeting or a discussion; as, to moderate a synod; to moderate a debate.

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.