n. 1 a a timber beam of small cross-section. b a size to which a stone or timber is to be cut. 2 a set of standard dimensions for parts of a structure, esp. in shipbuilding. 3 (usu. foll. by of) archaic a a specimen or sample. b one's necessary supply; a modicum or small amount.
[ alt. after -LING(1) f. obs. scantlon f. OF escantillon sample ]