IPA: /ˈfɛt.lər/
KK: /ˈfɛtlər/
A person who works on or repairs things, especially in relation to railway lines or metal and ceramic castings.
The fettler carefully inspected the railway tracks for any damage.
Fettler originates from the Old English word 'fettler', meaning a person who prepares or mends something, particularly in the context of railways or machinery. The term is derived from 'fettle', which means to put in order or to arrange.
Think of someone who 'prepares' or 'mends' things — that's what a fettler does, as the word comes from the Old English term for someone who puts things in order.