Scantle \Scan"tle\, v. i. [Dim. of scant, v.] To be deficient; to fail. [Obs.] --Drayton. Scantle \Scan"tle\, v. t. [OF. escanteler, eschanteler, to break into contles; pref. es- (L. ex) + cantel, chantel, corner, side, piece. Confused with E. scant. See {Cantle}.] To scant; to be niggard of; to divide into small pieces; to cut short or down. [Obs.] All their pay Must your discretion scantle; keep it back. --J. Webster.