scantling

Meanings

Noun

• The set size or dimension of a piece of timber, stone etc., or materials used to build ships or aircraft.
• A small portion, a scant amount.
• A small, upright beam of timber used in construction, especially less than five inches square.
• Timber in the form of small beams and pieces.
• A rough draught; a crude sketch or outline.
• A frame for casks to lie upon; a trestle.

Adjective

• Not plentiful; small; scanty.

Origin

• Alteration of scantillon --ling, from Old French escantillon (Modern French échantillon). Later senses also influenced by similarity with scant.