[met.tle] n [alter. of metal] (1581) 1 a: vigor and strength of spirit or temperament "suspected to have more tongue in his head than ~ in his bosom --Sir Walter Scott" b: staying quality: stamina "trucks had proved their ~ in army transport --Pioneer & Pacemaker"
2: quality of temperament or disposition "gentlemen of brave ~ --Shak." syn see courage -- met.tled adj -- on one's mettle : aroused to do one's best