fettle

fettle (FET-l) - v., (UK) to prepare or arrange (something), to put (arrangements) in order; (north UK) to sort out, to mend, to repair; (metal.) to line (a furnace) with loose material such as sand prior to pouring in molten metal. n., condition, state, usually only in the phrase "fine fettle."


I wanted only the verb, but the noun really is better known, especially in North America. Goes back to Middle English fetlen, to bestow/fix/prepare/put in place/prepare (oneself) for battle/shape, after which the trail goes cold, with several possible Old English roots suggested.

---L.