compunctious

Variant of compunction

compunction definition

com·punc·tion (kəm puŋk′s̸hən)

noun

  1. a sharp feeling of uneasiness brought on by a sense of guilt; remorse
  2. a feeling of slight regret for something done

Etymology: ME compunccion < OFr compunction < LL compunctio, a pricking (in LL(Ec), the pricking of conscience) < L compunctus, pp. of compungere, to prick, sting < com-, intens. + pungere, to prick: see point

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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