Webster's English Dictionary

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scruple

Cross references:
  1. measure                2. qualm                 
 
1. scru.ple \'skru:-p*l\ n [ME scriple, fr. L scrupulus a unit of weight, 
   fr. scrupulus]small sharp stone 2: a minute part or quantity : IOTA 
2. scruple n [MF scrupule, fr. L scrupulus small sharp stone, cause of 
   mental di]scomfort, scruple, dim. of scrupus sharp stone - more at SHRED 1: 
   an ethical consideration or principle that inhibits action  2: 
   SCRUPULOUSNESS 
3. scruple \-p(*-)lin\ vi or scru.pling 1: to have scruples  2: to be 
   reluctant on grounds of conscience : HESITATE