scruple (ˈskruːpəll
)
Definitions
noun
- (often plural) a doubt or hesitation as to what is morally right in a certain situation
- archaic a very small amount
- a unit of weight equal to 20 grains (1.296 grams)
- an ancient Roman unit of weight equivalent to approximately one twenty-fourth of an ounce
verb
- (obsolete when tr) to have doubts (about), esp for a moral reason
Alternative Forms
ˈscrupleless adjectiveWord Origin
C16: from Latin scrūpulus a small weight, from scrūpus rough stoneSynonyms
View thesaurus entry=
misgiving,
hesitation,
qualm,
doubt,
difficulty,
caution,
reluctance,
second thoughts,
uneasiness,
perplexity,
compunction,
squeamishness,
twinge of conscience
Usage examples
Nor did Griffin scruple now to deal on the black market for food.
, The Ambassador's Women (1986)I did not scruple to accept his draft, however; and I find it concentrates my searchers" minds to a wonderful degree.
, The Reverse of the Medal (1986)