scantling - n.
1 a a timber beam of small cross-section. b a size to which a stone or timber is to be cut.
2 a set of standard dimensions for parts of a structure, esp. in shipbuilding.
3 (usu. foll. by of) archaic a a specimen or sample. b one's necessary supply; a modicum or small amount. [alt. after -LING(1) f. obs. scantlon f. OF escantillon sample]