In a general sense, want of moderation or due restraint; excess in any kind of action or indulgence; any exertion of body or mind, or any indulgence of appetites or passions which is injurious to the person or contrary to morality; as intemperance in study or in labor, in eating or drinking, or in any other gratification. Hence, appropriately and emphatically,

Habitual indulgence in drinking spirituous liquors, with or without intoxication. Should a foreign army land on our shores, to levy such a tax upon us as intemperance levies--no mortal power could resist the swelling tide of indignation that would overwhelm it.