a. [Altered form of ME. fetis (see FEATOUS) with the ending assimilated to the suffix -ish.] † a. Elegant, neat obs.–0: see FEATOUS and next word). b. dial. Pretty good, tolerable, considerable; fairly well in health.
1835. J. Britton, Beauties of Wiltsh., III. 373. ‘How do you do?’ Answer, ‘Featish,’ tolerable.
1877. N. W. Linc. Gloss., s.v. ‘There ’s a featish crop o’ pears upo’ that tree.’ Ibid. ‘They be featish liars i’ Swillin’ton.’
1888. Berksh. Gloss., s.v. Veatish, ‘Ther be a veatish lot on um.’ Ibid. ‘I be got rid o’ the doctor, an’ be a-veelin’ quite veatish like now.’
Hence † Featishness. Obs. neatness.
1530. Palsgr., 219/1. Featysshnesse, propernesse, feactise.
