frame, order, condition. N.
Hence HELTER-SKELTER, a corruption of HELTER, to hang, and KELTER, order ; i. e. hang order, or in defiance of order. In good kelter, in good case or condition.
·noun Regular order or proper condition. ...
Webster's Dictionary of the English Language
1) Condition, order. Out of kelter; out of order. 2) Money. ...
Dictionary of The Vulgar Tongue by Francis Grose
Ships and men are said to be in prime kelter when in fine order and well-rigged. ...
The Sailor's Word-Book