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fettle

 - 4 dictionary results

fet⋅tle

  [fet-l] noun, verb, -tled, -tling.
Use fettle in a Sentence
–noun
1. state; condition: in fine fettle.
–verb (used with object)
2. Ceramics. to remove mold marks from (a cast piece).
3. Metallurgy.
a. to remove sand from (a casting).
b. to repair the hearth of (an open-hearth furnace).
Origin:
1300–50; ME fetle to shape, prepare, back formation from fetled, OE *fetelede girded up, equiv. to fetel belt + -ede -ed 2
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To fettle
fet·tle   (fět'l)   
n.  

    1. Proper or sound condition.

    2. 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.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

fettle 
"condition, state, trim," c.1750, from v. sense "to make ready, arrange" (14c.), from O.E. fetel "a girdle, belt," from P.Gmc. *fatiloz (cf. Ger. fessel, O.N. fetill), from *fat- "to hold."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

fettle fet·tle (fět'l)
n.

  1. Proper or sound condition.

  2. Mental or emotional state; spirits.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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