Scant'ling1, n.
n. [O. Fr. eschantillon, N. Fr. échantillon, a sample, pattern, from cantel, chantel. See supra.]
Sense 1. A fragment; a bit; a little piece; hence, (a.) A piece or quantity cut for a special purpose; a sample. [Obs.] “A pretty scantling of his knowledge may be taken by his deferring to be baptized so many years.” Milton. (b.) A small quantity; a little bit; not much. [Obs.] “Reducing them to narrow scantlings.” Bp. Taylor.
Sense 2. A piece of timber sawed or cut of a small size, as for studs, rails, &c.
Sense 3. The dimensions of a piece of timber, with regard to its breadth and thickness; hence, the measure or dimensions of any thing.
Sense 4. A rough draught; a rude sketch or outline.