fettle (ˈfɛtəll
)
Definitions
verb (tr)
- 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)
noun
- state of health, spirits, etc (esp in the phrase in fine fettle)
- another name for fettling
Word Origin
C14 (in the sense: to put in order): back formation from fetled girded up, from Old English fetel beltUsage examples
Once I've fed you up you'll be in as fine fettle as you ever were.
, Anti-Ice (1993)The economy is in fine fettle , and, more important, there are no elections round the corner.
Business Today (2000)You find him in good fettle , Phil Babb, ghost of World Cups past.
Irish Times (2002)And with their engine room in such fine fettle , Ireland started to shoot their way out of that Scottish ambush.
Times, Sunday Times (2005)Your brother's in fine fettle , by the way, thanks be to God.
, Turning the Page: Essays, Memoirs, Fiction, Poetry and One Sermon (1993)