scantling
noun
scant·ling ˈskant-liŋ 
-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