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. 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

The Abel who was leaving was in better fettle, in all ways, than the Abel who had arrived in a hurricane, desperately clinging to a nail.

From Literature

Eighth two years ago and pulled up last year does not scream National winner although has been in fine fettle this season, including defeat of Limerick Lace when winning Troytown Chase at Navan.

From BBC

Overall, markets go into Wednesday in pretty fine fettle.

From Reuters

Treasuries emerged from Thanksgiving in fine fettle, but other assets were a little slower off the mark in Asia, with traders' looking ahead to U.S. jobs and growth data next week.

From Reuters

With "Only the Strong Survive," he's in fine fettle as a singer, affording homage to the music and an era that has clearly existed at the heart of his life's inspiration.

From Salon