mettle

noun

1. (uncountable, usually)A quality of courage and endurance.

   “By this Day and this Light, the fellow ha's mettell enough in his belly.”

   “Please read on and discover the issues in education that test the mettle of those who experience this world every day.”

   “He was presently in as active circulation, on the campus and elsewhere, as ever. The few who looked after him at all came to the view that he possessed more mettle than stamina.”

   “Its possible that some traders will become less interested as their offline lives resume more fully, but their mettle may really be tested when the market runs into its next downturn.”

2. (uncountable, usually)Good temperament and character.

   “Your Maſter quits you: and for your ſeruice done him, / So much againſt the mettle of your ſex”

   “The arrival of this unexpected heir soon taking wind in the court, still makes good for the Sol, and keeps the court upon its mettle.”

3. (alt-of, obsolete, uncountable, usually)Obsolete spelling of metal (“metallic substance”).

   “They have neither gold nor silver of their owne, wine nor oyle, or scarce any corne growing in those united Provinces, little or no Wood, Tinne, Lead, Iron, Silke, Wooll, any stuffe almost, or Mettle; and yet Hungary, Transilvania, that bragge of their mines, fertile England cannot compare with them.”

adj

1. (Scotland)Spirited, vigorous, stout-hearted.

   “And then one afternoon in the hinder end of April came young Heriotside riding to the Skerburnfoot. His arm was healed, he had got him a fine new suit of green, and his horse was a mettle beast that well set off his figure.”