Moderation \Mod`er*a"tion\, n. [L. moderatio: cf. F. mod['e]ration.]

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. The first public examinations for degrees at the University of Oxford; -- usually contracted to mods.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)