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distemper

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distemper

Any of several infectious diseases of animals characterized by catarrh, cough, and general weakness. Specifically, it refers to a virus disease in young dogs, also found in wild animals, which can now be prevented by vaccination.

distemper

One of the earliest painting media, known in Egypt and ancient Mesopotamia and used by the Greeks in interior decoration. It is a mixture of powdered colour with chalk or clay, diluted with water and a gel substance (size or gum) instead of oil. Although distemper is a type of tempera, it is different to egg tempera (colour mixed with egg yolk and oil) as it is opaque and has a soft, less permanent finish, making it unsuitable for fine work.

Distemper was used in Renaissance Italy for decorative painting on a large scale, where swiftness and ease of application rather than permanence were the main considerations. Despite the impermanence of the medium, surviving examples include Raphael's cartoons (designs) in colour for murals and tapestry. In modern times distemper has been used for theatrical scene-painting, but the word is mainly applied to the whitewash used in house painting.



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? Mentioned in ? References in classic literature
 
It was near five weeks that I kept my bed and though the violence of my fever abated in three weeks, yet it several times returned; and the physicians said two or three times, they could do no more for me, but that they must leave nature and the distemper to fight it out, only strengthening the first with cordials to maintain the struggle.
The Fortunes & Misfortunes of the Famous Moll Flanders by Defoe, Daniel View in context
To speak now of the true temper of empire, it is a thing rare and hard to keep; for both temper, and distemper, consist of contraries.
The Essays by Bacon, Sir Francis View in context
My nephew knew nothing how far my distemper of wandering was returned upon me, and I knew nothing of what he had in his thought to say, when that very morning, before he came to me, I had, in a great deal of confusion of thought, and revolving every part of my circumstances in my mind, come to this resolution, that I would go to Lisbon, and consult with my old sea-captain; and if it was rational and practicable, I would go and see the island again, and what was become of my people there.
The Further Adventures of Robinson Crusoe by Defoe, Daniel View in context
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