scantling

noun

1. (countable, in-plural, uncountable)The set size or dimension of a piece of timber, stone etc., or materials used to build ships or aircraft.
2. (archaic, countable, uncountable)A small portion, a scant amount.

   “For one may have particular knowledge of the nature of one river, and experience of the qualitie of one fountaine, that in other things knowes no more than another man: who neverthelesse to publish this little scantling, will undertake to write all of the Physickes.”

   “Such as exceed not this scantling, to be solace to the sovereign and harmless to the people.”

   “A pretty scantling of his knowledge may taken by his deferring to be baptized so many years.”

   “Reducing them to narrow scantlings.”

3. (countable, uncountable)A small, upright beam of timber used in construction, especially less than five inches square.
4. (uncountable)Timber in the form of small beams and pieces.

   “Victor, with hammer and nails and scraps of scantling, was patching a corner of one of the galleries.”

5. (countable, obsolete, uncountable)A rough draught; a crude sketch or outline.
6. (countable, obsolete, uncountable)A frame for casks to lie upon; a trestle.

   “These casks should be placed upon scantling or scaffolding , and not upon the ground in the cellar”

adj

1. Not plentiful; small; scanty.

   “Heav'ns Glorie to atchieve, what scantling Span Hath the frail Pilgrimage of Man!”