vbl. sb. [f. FETTLE v. + -ING1.]
1. The action of the verb FETTLE in various senses; an instance of this.
1865. Carlyle, Fredk. Gt., IX. XX. ii. 18. Friedrich calculated there would be very considerable fettling and haggling on Daun’s part; say a good Fortnight of Siege allowed.
1869. Peacock, Lonsdale Gloss., ‘I gev him a good fettling.’
b. spec. The action of lining a puddling furnace; hence, the materials used for this. Also attrib.
1884. Percy, Iron & Steel, 669. Iron puddled with limestone fettling is always rotten.
1872. Daily News, 7 Oct. 6. His judgment … was against Sunday fettling.
1890. Iron & Steel Trades Jrnl., 4 Jan., 20/2. Sales of cokes and fettling minerals are recorded in large quantities.
