Posted by Peter H on January 17, 2003 at 20:08:18 from 213.122.174.51 user Peter_H.
In Reply to: naked savage posted by Ed Kiser on January 17, 2003 at 19:30:14:
'Fettle' is a very common word in the North of England. It is used in industry, certainly in the potting industry and I think also in textiles. As can be gathered from Mrs Dixon's statement, it means 'did', 'made', 'rigged up', almost in the sense of 'cobbled together', and it also can imply a finishing off process or trimming. I imagine the American equivalent might be 'fixed' - I think I have heard characters in American films say 'I'll fix a meal', where we would say 'I'll make [or cook] a meal', and, here in the North, you might hear 'I'll fettle up some stew'.
Hope this helps, Ed!
[The above is 'fettle' as I see it. I do not claim to be infallible, and I welcome any other view on this word.]