MEDIOC'RITY, noun [Latin mediocritas, from mediocris, middling; medius, middle.] 1. A middle state or degree; a moderate degree or rate. A mediocrity of condition is most favorable to morals and happiness. A mediocrity of talents well employed will generally ensure respectability. Men of age seldom drive business home to the full period, but content themselves with a mediocrity of success. 2. Moderation; temperance. We owe obedience to the law of reason, which teacheth mediocrity in meats and drinks.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI