fettle

[ fet-l ]

noun

1. state; condition:

   in fine fettle.

verb (used with object)

, fet·tled, fet·tling.

1. Ceramics. to remove mold marks from (a cast piece).
2. Metallurgy.
   1. to remove sand from (a casting).
   2. to repair the hearth of (an open-hearth furnace).

fettle

/ ˈfɛtəl /

verb

1. to remove (excess moulding material and casting irregularities) from a cast component
2. to line or repair (the walls of a furnace)
3. dialect.
   1. to prepare or arrange (a thing, oneself, etc), esp to put a finishing touch to
   2. to repair or mend (something)

noun

1. state of health, spirits, etc (esp in the phrase in fine fettle )
2. See fettling
   another name for fettling

Word History and Origins

Origin of fettle¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English verb fetlen, fetelen, fatelen “to shape, prepare,” perhaps from Old English noun fetel “belt, girdle”

Word History and Origins

Origin of fettle¹

C14 (in the sense: to put in order): back formation from fetled girded up, from Old English fetel belt

Example Sentences

Dolly had seen the gap opening out of the far side of the field on to another road and she led the way to it in high fettle.

From Project Gutenberg

And old Matthew, a mill-hand, said the other day he didn't feel in a grand fettle.

From Project Gutenberg

There is a cupful of porridge also with the coffee, paid for by deduction from our pay, so that one starts in good fettle.

From Project Gutenberg

Simon Fettle was a plain kindly creature without a thought of malice, who kept his master's accounts.

From Project Gutenberg

He seemed in rare fettle, and the trainer said no horse could possibly have done better.

From Project Gutenberg