Fettlings

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The process of refining or trimming metal, particularly during casting or manufacturing to achieve a desired shape
2. Small pieces or fragments of material that have been removed during the shaping process of metals
3. The act or result of finishing edges or surfaces in metalworking, often involving the removal of excess material

Etymology: "Fettlings" is the plural of "fettling," which in foundry and metalworking use refers to the rough scraps trimmed away from a casting or forging. The word is a noun formed from the verb "fettle," and the plural simply counts those pieces of waste metal. Industrial workers in engineering trades use the term for the excess that must be removed before a finished part is ready.