Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Mettle
Met′tle
,Noun.
[E.
metal
, used in a tropical sense in allusion to the temper of the metal of a sword blade. See Metal
.] Substance or quality of temperament; spirit, esp. as regards honor, courage, fortitude, ardor, etc.; disposition; – usually in a good sense;
as, to test a person’s
. mettle
A certain critical hour which shall . . . try what
mettle
his heart is made of. South.
Gentlemen of brave
mettle
. Shakespeare
The winged courser, like a generous horse,
Shows most true
Shows most true
mettle
when you check his course. Pope.
To put one one's mettle
, to cause or incite one to use one's best efforts.
Webster 1828 Edition
Mettle
METTLE
,Noun.
L. animus, animosus.] Spirit; constitutional ardor; that temperament which is susceptible of high excitement. It is not synonymous with courage, though it may be accompanied with it, and is sometimes used for it.
The winged courser, like a generous horse,
Shows most true mettle when you check his course.