fet·tle (f t l)
n.
1.
a. Proper or sound condition.
b. Mental or emotional state; spirits: was in fine fettle.
2. Metallurgy Loose sand or ore used to line the hearth of a reverberatory furnace in preparation for pouring molten metal.
tr.v. fet·tled, fet·tling, fet·tles Metallurgy
To line the hearth of (a reverberatory furnace) with loose sand or ore in preparation for pouring molten metal.
[From Middle English fetlen, to make ready, possibly from Old English fetel, girdle.]
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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition copyright ©2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Willie is in fine fettle.
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