Scruple

['skruːp(ə)l] or ['skrupl]

Definition

(noun.) an ethical or moral principle that inhibits action.

(noun.) uneasiness about the fitness of an action.

(noun.) a unit of apothecary weight equal to 20 grains.

(verb.) have doubts about.

(verb.) raise scruples; 'He lied and did not even scruple about it'.

(verb.) hesitate on moral grounds; 'The man scrupled to perjure himself'.

Typist: Winfred--From WordNet

Definition

(n.) A weight of twenty grains; the third part of a dram.

(n.) Hence, a very small quantity; a particle.

(n.) Hesitation as to action from the difficulty of determining what is right or expedient; unwillingness, doubt, or hesitation proceeding from motives of conscience.

(v. i.) To be reluctant or to hesitate, as regards an action, on account of considerations of conscience or expedience.

(v. t.) To regard with suspicion; to hesitate at; to question.

(v. t.) To excite scruples in; to cause to scruple.

Typist: Trevor

Synonyms and Synonymous

n. [1]. Hesitation, hesitancy, doubt, perplexity, qualm.[2]. Twenty grains.

v. n. Hesitate, doubt, waver, fluctuate.

Typed by Clint

Synonyms and Antonyms

[See SCRAPE]

SYN:Misgiving, doubt, hesitation, qualm, reluctance, question

ANT:recklessness, unscrupulousness, confidence, assurance, self-satisfaction,self-approval, self-complacency

Editor: Samantha

Definition

n. a small weight—in apothecaries' weight 20 troy grains ⅓ drachm 1⁄24 ounce and 1⁄288 of a troy pound: a very small quantity: reluctance to decide or act as from motives of conscience: difficulty.—v.i. to hesitate in deciding or acting.—n. Scru′pler.—adj. Scru′pulous having scruples doubts or objections: conscientious: cautious: exact: captious.—adv. Scru′pulously.—ns. Scru′pulousness Scrupulos′ity state of being scrupulous: doubt: niceness: precision.

Editor: Tess