To scale down a debt, wages, etc.

from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

Scale \Scale\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Scaled}; p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Scaling}.]
   To weigh or measure according to a scale; to measure; also,
   to grade or vary according to a scale or system.
   [1913 Webster]

         Scaling his present bearing with his past. --Shak.
   [1913 Webster]

   {To scale a debt, wages, etc.} or {To scale down a debt,
   wages, etc.}, to reduce a debt, etc., according to a fixed
      ratio or scale. [U.S.]
      [1913 Webster]