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(te'mpo). Pl. tempi (te'mpi). [It., : -L. tempus time.] 1. Mus. Relative speed or rate of movement ; pace ; spec. the proper or characteristic speed and rhythm of a dance or other tune. Tempo primo, first or former time; a direction to resume the original speed after an alteration of it. Tempo rubato, 'robbed or stolen time; time occasionally slackened or hastened for the purposes of expression.' 2. A term in fencing : see quot. Obs. rare. 1688 R. HOLME Armoury III. XIX. (Roxb.) 159/2 A Tempo, is to take heed neuer to make a thrust or blow at aduersarie, without thou hast a faire opportunity to hit, or within measure, that he be within thy reach.

-OED