n. [ Cf. OF. eschantillon, F. échantillon, 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. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Such as exceed not this scantling; -- to be solace to the sovereign and harmless to the people. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

A pretty scantling of his knowledge may taken by his deferring to be baptized so many years. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

(b) A small quantity; a little bit; not much. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Reducing them to narrow scantlings. Jer. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A piece of timber sawed or cut of a small size, as for studs, rails, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. The dimensions of a piece of timber with regard to its breadth and thickness; hence, the measure or dimensions of anything. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. A rough draught; a rude sketch or outline. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. A frame for casks to lie upon; a trestle. Knight. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ See Scant, a. ] Not plentiful; small; scanty. [ Obs. ] Jer. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]