scantling noun. ['skantlɪŋ] E16.
[Alt., by assoc. with -LING¹, of SCANTILLON.]
1. Measured or prescribed size; a set of standard dimensions, esp. for timber, stone, an aircraft, or a ship. E16.
Wales The scantling of the baulks varies from twelve to fourteen inches.
b. fig. The measure or extent of an individual's capacity or ability. L16-M18.

2. A measuring-rod, a gauge; fig. a standard of measurement. M16-L17.

3. A sample, a specimen. Also, a sketch, a rough draft. arch. M16.

4. Limited measure, amount, or space; a limit; spec. in Archery, the distance from the mark by which a shot may deviate and still be regarded as a hit. L16-L17.

5. A small or scanty portion or amount, a modicum. Formerly also, an abridgement, a small remnant. arch. L16.
■ R. C. Hutchinson This scantling of slack muscles and impoverished flesh. Times Literary Supplement A scantling of the many [works] which might contain..neologisms.

6. A portion, an allowance. arch. M17.

7. a. A timber beam of small cross-section, esp. one less than five inches square; collect. sing. timber cut to such a size. M17.
■ F. P. Grove The thinnest of box-lumber, held in place by poplar scantlings.
b. A block of stone of a fixed size; collect. sing. stone cut to such a size. E18.

8. A trestle for holding casks. rare. M17.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲