fettle

Fettle is a noun and a verb in English with related senses concerning condition, health, and preparation. As a noun, it denotes the state or condition of something, especially its functioning or health. In the expression in fine fettle, it means in good condition or good working order. The term can also refer more broadly to readiness or fitness.

As a verb, to fettle means to repair, adjust, or tidy up something, often with care to bring it to a desired condition. For example, one might fettle a bicycle chain, a motor, or a piece of equipment, implying maintenance or careful tuning.

In industrial contexts, fettling is a specific finishing process. After metalworking such as casting or forging, fettling involves removing excess material (gates, sprues, and flash), smoothing surfaces, and making final dimensional adjustments so that a part meets specification. Fettling is performed by hand or with power tools, and workers who perform it are called fettlers or fettlers in foundries.

Etymology and usage notes: the term originates in British English and is tied to the notion of making something fit or proper. While it remains common in technical and mechanical contexts, the general sense of health or good condition is widely understood in everyday speech.

See also: fettling; repair; maintenance; tune-up.