Mod`er*a"tion (?), n. [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.

3. Calmness of mind; equanimity; as, to bear adversity with moderation.

The calm and judicious moderation of Orange.

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

• the state or quality of being moderate; avoidance of extremes
       America is a model of force and freedom and moderation - with all the coarseness and rudeness of its people. –Lord Byron
  
• a change which improves quality
  
• something which avoids excesses
  
• an instance of moderating; to bring away from extremes
       The virtue of justice consists in moderation, as regulated by wisdom. –Aristotle
  
• self-control
       My God, Mr. Chairman, at this moment I stand astonished at my own moderation! –Robert Clive
  

French
• moderation