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scruple definition

scru·ple (skro̵̅o̅′pəl)

noun

  1. a very small quantity, amount, or part
    1. an ancient Roman unit of weight equal to ounce
    2. a unit of weight equal to dram apothecaries' weight or 20 grains (1.296 grams): abbrev. sc
  3. a feeling of hesitancy, doubt, or uneasiness arising from difficulty in deciding what is right, proper, ethical, etc.; qualm or misgiving about something one thinks is wrong
  4. high ethical standards

Etymology: MFr scrupule < L scrupulus, small sharp stone (hence small weight, difficulty, doubt), dim. of scrupus, sharp stone < IE *skreup- < base *(s)ker-, to cut

transitive verb, intransitive verb scrupled -·pled, scrupling -·pling

to hesitate (at) from doubt or uneasiness; be unwilling because of one's conscience; have scruples (about)

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