different between scantlings vs scantling

English

Noun

scantlings

1. plural of scantling
2. (nautical) The dimensions of the timbers of a ship

English

Etymology

Alteration of scantillon +? -ling, from Old French escantillon (“sample pattern”) (Modern French échantillon). Later senses also influenced by similarity with scant.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /?skantl??/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /?skæntl??/

Noun

scantling (plural scantlings)

1. (chiefly in the plural) The set size or dimension of a piece of timber, stone etc., or materials used to build ships or aircraft.
2. (archaic) A small portion, a scant amount.
   • , Folio Society, 2006, vol.1, p.204:

     For one may have particular knowledge of the nature of one river, and experience of the qualitie of one fountaine, that in other things knowes no more than another man: who neverthelesse to publish this little scantling, will undertake to write all of the Physickes.

   • 1625, Francis Bacon, Of Honor and Reputation

     Such as exceed not this scantling, to be solace to the sovereign and harmless to the people.

   • 1650, Jeremy Taylor, The Rule and Exercises of Holy Living

     Reducing them to narrow scantlings.

3. A small, upright beam of timber used in construction, especially less than five inches square.
4. (uncountable) Timber in the form of small beams and pieces.
   • 1899, Kate Chopin, The Awakening:

     Victor, with hammer and nails and scraps of scantling, was patching a corner of one of the galleries.

5. (obsolete) A rough draught; a crude sketch or outline.
6. (obsolete) A frame for casks to lie upon; a trestle.

   (Can we find and add a quotation of Knight to this entry?)

Translations

See also

• scantlings

Adjective

scantling (comparative more scantling, superlative most scantling)

1. Not plentiful; small; scanty.

   (Can we find and add a quotation of Jeremy Taylor to this entry?)

Anagrams

• cantlings