/fet"l/ , n. , v. , fettled, fettling .
n.
1. state; condition: in fine fettle.
v.t.
2. Ceram. to remove mold marks from (a cast piece).
3. Metall.
a. to remove sand from (a casting).
b. to repair the hearth of (an open-hearth furnace).
[ 1300-50; ME fetle to shape, prepare, back formation from fetled, OE * fetelede girded up, equiv. to fetel belt + -ede -ED 2 ]