I. ˈskantliŋ, -aan-, -lēŋ noun
( -s )
Etymology: alteration (influenced by -ling ) of earlier scantillon mason's or carpenter's gage, dimension, from Middle English scantilon, from Old North French escantillon
1.
a. obsolete : the measure or dimension of something (as the caliber of a bullet or shot)
b. : the breadth and thickness of timber and stone used in building
c. : the dimensions of a frame, strake, or other structural part used in shipbuilding
d. obsolete : the quantity, amount, or degree of a quality, capacity, or ability
e. obsolete : a measure that confines to a comparatively small size or quantity : limit , scope
this … is to measure truth by a wrong standard, and to circumscribe her by too narrow a scantling — T.P.Blomt
2.
a. archaic : specimen , sample
b. obsolete : a rough draft : a rude sketch or outline
3. : something that has a measure or is measured out: as
a. : an allotted portion
b. : a small quantity, amount, or proportion : modicum
able to devote but a scantling of his philosophical labor to the problem — John Baillie
c. : a small piece of lumber (as an upright piece in house framing)
d. : a piece of yard lumber that is under 8 inches wide and from 2 inches to 6 inches thick
e. : yellow pine lumber that varies in size from 2 in. × 2 in. to 5 in. × 8 in.
II. adjective
Etymology: from present participle of scantle (I)
archaic : scanty