[scant.ling] n [alter. of ME scantilon, lit., mason's or carpenter's gauge, fr. ONF escantillon] (1555) 1 a: the dimensions of timber and stone used in building b: the dimensions of a frame or strake used in shipbuilding
2: a small quantity, amount, or proportion: modicum
3: a small piece of lumber (as an upright piece in house framing)