Tuesday 30 September 2008

Haiga, WOTD - fettle


fettle \FET-l\, noun:
A state or condition of fitness or order; state of mind; spirits -
- often used in the phrase "in fine fettle."

After Milton's poem:
the demon in fine fettle,
his companion, ill.

7 comments:

spacedlaw said...

I've never seen used in other forms than in "fine fettle" - and that little - so thanks for a new(ish) word. Now I have to think of using it OUTSIDE the usual expression...

Rachel Green said...

I've never seen it without its gay companion 'fine' either.

aims said...

How often I think that you are in fine fettle - :0)

A word for Jasfoup. No explanation this time - he's going to have to look it up himself.

Word of the day over here: zugzwang

Shoe of the day - something from the 17th century I think.

aims said...

Oh! I just read your answer to Spacedlaw - hehehehe

Rachel Green said...

Ah! A forced chess move. Very clever!

(Personally, I always sacrifice Bishops).

Shullie said...

it can also mean cleaning out... ie 'going to give the house a good fettle...'

:)

Rachel Green said...

ooh! I didn't know that, Shullie.