Met·tle n.  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.   --Shak.
 The winged courser, like a generous horse,
 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.

 ◄ ►