scantling
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
Alteration of scantillon, by association with -ling. Later senses also influenced by similarity with scant.
[edit] Pronunciation
[edit] Noun
scantling (plural scantlings)
- (chiefly in the plural) The set size or dimension of a piece of timber, stone etc., or materials used to build ships or aircraft.
- (archaic) A small portion, a scant amount.
- 1603, John Florio, translating Michel de Montaigne, Essays, Folio Society 2006, vol. 1 p. 204:
- 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.
- 1603, John Florio, translating Michel de Montaigne, Essays, Folio Society 2006, vol. 1 p. 204:
- A small, upright timber used in construction, especially less than five inches square.
