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to fettle

to fettle

1 9.9
To remove rough marks and sand from a newly made metal part
  • verb
  • /ˈfɛtəl/
  • UK
translation icon : desbarbar

Examples

  • You've fettle enough for 20 men.

  • But fettle your fine joints 'gainst Thursday next!

  • The workers need to fettle the metal parts before assembling the machine.

  • We must fettle the castings properly to ensure a smooth surface.

  • Before the final inspection, the technician will fettle any remaining imperfections.

How Smooth

to polish
46 1.1
to fettle
  • UK
1 9.9
file
54 5.6
to bur
  • Specialized
1 9.9

Surface Forms

fettle infinitive
fettled past
fettled past participle
fettling present participle
fettles third person singular

Etymology

Fettle as a verb comes from an old word meaning 'to make ready' and is related to the simple word fit. So to fettle a casting is to trim and smooth the rough parts until it is ready or 'fit' for use.