fettles

Trims clay edges

Fettles is the third-person singular of fettle, a verb meaning to put in order or condition.

The word appears almost exclusively in the phrase in fine fettle, meaning in good shape or spirits: The team looked in fine fettle after their training camp.

Outside this set phrase, fettle has technical uses in metalworking and pottery—to fettle is to trim excess material from castings or ceramics.

repair

fix

Repair or solution

restoreReturn to earlier state
mendRestore after damage
overhaulComplete systematic repair

refurbish · recondition · service · maintenance · patch · renovate · troubleshoot · workshop · mechanic · technician

condition

health

Condition of body, mind

stateCondition or mode
shapeExternal outline of something
formShape or document

spirits · trim · order · fitness · readiness · mood · vigor · wellness

ceramics

clay

Moldable earth for ceramics

potteryFired clay objects
greenwareUnfired clay pottery
kilnOven for hardening clay

bisque · porcelain · stoneware · trimming · throwing · glaze · slip · wedging · firing

Opposites

ceramics production stage

fettlesglazes

Glossy surface coatings

fires · decorates · finishes · coats · enamels

material manipulation

fettlesadds

Joins to increase

builds up · applies · deposits · coats · attaches

CONDITION/STATE (British usage)

fettlesneglects

Fails to care for

damages · disorders · disarranges · messes up · breaks

Phrases

in fine fettleIn excellent condition

Family

fettle

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