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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Temerity \Te*mer"i*ty\, n. [L. temeritas, from temere by chance,
rashly; perhaps akin to Skr. tamas darkness: cf. F.
t['e]m['e]rit['e].]
Unreasonable contempt of danger; extreme venturesomeness;
rashness; as, the temerity of a commander in war.
[1913 Webster]

Syn: Rashness; precipitancy; heedlessness; venturesomeness.

Usage: {Temerity}, {Rashness}. These words are closely allied
in sense, but have a slight difference in their use
and application. Temerity is Latin, and rashness is
Anglo-Saxon. As in many such cases, the Latin term is
more select and dignified; the Anglo-Saxon more
familiar and energetic. We show temerity in hasty
decisions, and the conduct to which they lead. We show
rashness in particular actions, as dictated by sudden
impulse. It is an exhibition of temerity to approach
the verge of a precipice; it is an act of rashness to
jump into a river without being able to swim.
Temerity, then, is an unreasonable contempt of danger;
rashness is a rushing into danger from thoughtlessness
or excited feeling.
[1913 Webster]

It is notorious temerity to pass sentence upon
grounds uncapable of evidence. --Barrow.
[1913 Webster]

Her rush hand in evil hour
Forth reaching to the fruit, she plucked, she
eat. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]