Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Temporize
Tem′po-rize
,Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Temporized
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Temporizing
.] [F.
temporiser
. See Temporal
of time.] 1.
To comply with the time or occasion; to humor, or yield to, the current of opinion or circumstances; also, to trim, as between two parties.
They might their grievance inwardly complain,
But outwardly they needs must
But outwardly they needs must
temporize
. Daniel.
2.
To delay; to procrastinate.
[R.]
Bacon.
3.
To comply; to agree.
[Obs.]
Shak.
Webster 1828 Edition
Temporize
TEM'PORIZE
,Verb.
I.
1.
To comply with the time or occasion; to humor or yield to the current of opinion or to circumstances; a conduct that often indicates obsequiousness. They might their grievance inwardly complain,
But outwardly they needs must temporize.
2.
To delay; to procrastinate. Well, you till temporize with the hours. [Little used.]
3.
To comply. [Not in use.]