scantling

noun

scant·​ling ˈskant-liŋ 

-lən

1

a

: the dimensions of timber and stone used in building

b

: the dimensions of a structural element used in shipbuilding

—often used in plural

2

: a small quantity, amount, or proportion : modicum

3

: a small piece of lumber (such as an upright piece in house framing)

Word History

Etymology

alteration of Middle English scantilon, mason's or carpenter's measure, from Anglo-French escauntiloun, eschantillon

First Known Use

1555, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

scantling

noun

scant·​ling ˈskant-liŋ 

-lən

: a small piece of lumber

especially : one of the upright pieces in the frame of a house