fettle
state; condition: in fine fettle.
Ceramics. to remove mold marks from (a cast piece).
Metallurgy.
to remove sand from (a casting).
to repair the hearth of (an open-hearth furnace).
Origin of fettle
1Words Nearby fettle
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use fettle in a sentence
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.
The Red Cow and Her Friends | Peter McArthurAnd old Matthew, a mill-hand, said the other day he didn't feel in a grand fettle.
Sarah's School Friend | May BaldwinThere is a cupful of porridge also with the coffee, paid for by deduction from our pay, so that one starts in good fettle.
In the Ranks of the C.I.V. | Erskine ChildersSimon fettle was a plain kindly creature without a thought of malice, who kept his master's accounts.
The Amazing Marriage, Complete | George MeredithHe seemed in rare fettle, and the trainer said no horse could possibly have done better.
The Sweep Winner | Nat Gould
British Dictionary definitions for fettle
/ (ˈfɛtəl) /
to remove (excess moulding material and casting irregularities) from a cast component
to line or repair (the walls of a furnace)
British dialect
to prepare or arrange (a thing, oneself, etc), esp to put a finishing touch to
to repair or mend (something)
state of health, spirits, etc (esp in the phrase in fine fettle)
another name for fettling
Origin of fettle
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Browse