Scantling \Scant"ling\, n. [Cf. OF. eschantillon, F.
['e]chantillon, a sample, pattern, example. In some senses
confused with scant insufficient. See Scantle, v. t.]
1. A fragment; a bit; a little piece. Specifically:
(a) A piece or quantity cut for a special purpose; a
sample. [Obs.]
Such as exceed not this scantling; -- to be
solace to the sovereign and harmless to the
people. --Bacon.
A pretty scantling of his knowledge may taken by
his deferring to be baptized so many years.
--Milton.
(b) A small quantity; a little bit; not much. [Obs.]
Reducing them to narrow scantlings. --Jer.
Taylor.
2. A piece of timber sawed or cut of a small size, as for
studs, rails, etc.
3. The dimensions of a piece of timber with regard to its
breadth and thickness; hence, the measure or dimensions of
anything.
4. A rough draught; a rude sketch or outline.
5. A frame for casks to lie upon; a trestle. --Knight.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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