a. Destitute of mettle, that is, or fire or spirit. [ R. ] Llewellyn. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. Having abundance of mettle; ardent; full of fire;
n. [ 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;
A certain critical hour which shall . . . try what mettle his heart is made of. South. [ 1913 Webster ]
Gentlemen of brave mettle. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
The winged courser, like a generous horse,
Shows most true mettle when you check his course. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]
To put one one's mettle,
a. Having mettle; high-spirited; ardent; full of fire. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. Full of spirit; possessing constitutional ardor; fiery;
--
a. Dull-spirited. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. Inborn mettle or courage; one's own temper. [ Obs. ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]