scantling

noun

scant·​ling ˈskant-liŋ How to pronounce scantling (audio)
-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

Time Traveler
The first known use of scantling was in 1555

Dictionary Entries Near scantling

Cite this Entry

“Scantling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scantling. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

scantling

noun
scant·​ling ˈskant-liŋ How to pronounce scantling (audio)
-lən
: a small piece of lumber
especially : one of the upright pieces in the frame of a house
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