Fettled

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To repair or adjust an object to make it function properly ; to clean or prepare an object by removing unwanted parts or imperfections
2. To fix or fine-tune a device or item for better performance ; to tidy or smooth an item by cutting away excess or rough elements
3. To mend or modify an object to improve its condition or operation ; to prepare an object by trimming or cleaning to enhance its appearance or use

Etymology: Its oldest sense has nothing to do with machines. Old English "fetel" meant a belt or girdle, and the verb "fetlian" meant to gird something on, to fasten or equip oneself for action. That sense of getting ready for work gradually came to mean being in good working order, which is why people still speak of something being "in fine fettle." The trimming sense is more specialised and is strongly associated with foundry work, where "fettling" meant cleaning rough seams and excess metal from newly cast pieces. From there it spread to any job of smoothing an item into shape. The two senses share a root but are separated by many centuries of use, so the link between preparing oneself and trimming a casting is loose rather than direct.

Synonyms: prepared, fixed, mended, shaped, formed

Antonyms: damaged, broken, neglected, ruined, destroyed