释义 |
scant·ling I. \ˈskantliŋ, -aan-, -lēŋ\ noun (-s) Etymology: alteration (influenced by -ling) of earlier scantillon mason's or carpenter's gage, dimension, from Middle English scantilon, from Old North French escantillon 1. a. obsolete : the measure or dimension of something (as the caliber of a bullet or shot) b. : the breadth and thickness of timber and stone used in building c. : the dimensions of a frame, strake, or other structural part used in shipbuilding d. obsolete : the quantity, amount, or degree of a quality, capacity, or ability e. obsolete : a measure that confines to a comparatively small size or quantity : limit, scope < this … is to measure truth by a wrong standard, and to circumscribe her by too narrow a scantling — T.P.Blomt > 2. a. archaic : specimen, sample b. obsolete : a rough draft : a rude sketch or outline 3. : something that has a measure or is measured out: as a. : an allotted portion b. : a small quantity, amount, or proportion : modicum < able to devote but a scantling of his philosophical labor to the problem — John Baillie > c. : a small piece of lumber (as an upright piece in house framing) d. : a piece of yard lumber that is under 8 inches wide and from 2 inches to 6 inches thick e. : yellow pine lumber that varies in size from 2 in. × 2 in. to 5 in. × 8 in. II. adjective Etymology: from present participle of scantle (I) archaic : scanty |