scant

SCANT, v.t.

To limit; to straiten; as, to scant one in provisions; to scant ourselves in the use of necessaries; to scant a garment in cloth.

I am scanted in the pleasure of dwelling on your actions.

SCANT, v.i. To fail or become less; as, the wind scants.

SCANT, a.

1. Not full, large or plentiful; scarcely sufficient; rather less than is wanted for the purpose; as a scant allowance of provisions or water; a scant pattern of cloth for a garment.

2. Sparing; parsimonious; cautiously affording.

Be somewhat scanter of your maiden presence. [Not in use.]

3. Not fair, free or favorable for a ship's course; as a scant wind.

SCANT, adv. Scarcely; hardly; not quite.

The people - received of the bankers scant twenty shillings for thirty. [Obsolete or vulgar.]