scantling

3 definitions found

scantling - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Scantling \Scant"ling\, a. [See Scant, a.]
     Not plentiful; small; scanty. [Obs.] --Jer. Taylor.
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  Scantling \Scant"ling\, n. [Cf. OF. eschantillon, F.
     ['e]chantillon, a sample, pattern, example. In some senses
     confused with scant insufficient. See Scantle, v. t.]
     1. A fragment; a bit; a little piece. Specifically:
        (a) A piece or quantity cut for a special purpose; a
            sample. [Obs.]
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                  Such as exceed not this scantling; -- to be
                  solace to the sovereign and harmless to the
                  people.                           --Bacon.
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                  A pretty scantling of his knowledge may taken by
                  his deferring to be baptized so many years.
                                                    --Milton.
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        (b) A small quantity; a little bit; not much. [Obs.]
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                  Reducing them to narrow scantlings. --Jer.
                                                    Taylor.
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     2. A piece of timber sawed or cut of a small size, as for
        studs, rails, etc.
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     3. The dimensions of a piece of timber with regard to its
        breadth and thickness; hence, the measure or dimensions of
        anything.
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     4. A rough draught; a rude sketch or outline.
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     5. A frame for casks to lie upon; a trestle. --Knight.
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scantling - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  scantling
      n 1: an upright in house framing [syn: scantling, stud]