distemper2

 
Pronunciation: /dɪˈstɛmpə/

noun

[mass noun]
  • a kind of paint using glue or size instead of an oil base, for use on walls or for scene-painting.
  • a method of mural and poster painting using distemper.

verb

[with object] (often as adjective distempered)
  • paint with distemper: the distempered roof timbers

Origin:

late Middle English (originally as a verb in the senses 'dilute' and 'steep'): from Old French destremper or late Latin distemperare 'soak'