fettling

American  

[fet-ling] / ˈfɛt lɪŋ /

noun

Metallurgy.

1. the material with which the hearth of a puddling furnace is lined, usually a dolomite or refractory mixture.

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fettling British  

/ ˈfɛtlɪŋ /

noun

1. Also called: fettle.  a refractory material used to line the hearth of puddling furnaces

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Etymology

Origin of fettling

First recorded in 1860–65; fettle + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Keep in mind: this was a result achieved without any fettling from the Cup series’ myriad new rules for the upcoming season, making it something for the sport’s many hardline fans to truly savor.

From Time • Feb. 22, 2016

“Eh, Tim Binder! there’ll be a rare job for thee feyther next spring, fettling up this wall, by t’ time we’ve done wi’ it.”

From We and the World, Part I A Book for Boys by Ewing, Juliana Horatia Gatty

I have heard the people here talk of "fettling" the hearth when they mean "clean up."

From Sarah's School Friend by Baldwin, May

He is getting his saddle altered: fettling about this and that; does not consider what danger he is in.

From History of Friedrich II of Prussia — Volume 07 by Carlyle, Thomas

What did the unrevealed God matter, when a man had a young family that needed fettling for?

From The Rainbow by Lawrence, D. H. (David Herbert)