METTLE


Meaning of METTLE in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ ˈme-t ə l ]

noun

Etymology: alteration of metal

Date: 1581

1.

a. : vigor and strength of spirit or temperament

suspected to have more tongue in his head than mettle in his bosom — Sir Walter Scott

b. : staying quality : stamina

trucks had proved their mettle in army transport — Pioneer & Pacemaker

2. : quality of temperament or disposition

gentlemen of brave mettle — Shakespeare

Synonyms: see courage

• met·tled -t ə ld adjective

- on one's mettle

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.