I. ˈfe-t ə l noun
Etymology: fettle (II)
Date: 1740
: state or condition of health, fitness, wholeness, spirit, or form — often used in the phrase in fine fettle
II. transitive verb
( fet·tled ; fet·tling ˈfet-liŋ, ˈfe-t ə l-iŋ)
Etymology: British dialect, to set in order, get ready, from Middle English fetlen to shape, prepare; perhaps akin to Old English fetian to fetch — more at fetch
Date: 1881
: to cover or line the hearth of (as a reverberatory furnace) with loose material (as sand or gravel)