scruple

/ˈskrü-pəl/

Middle English scrupil, scriple, from Anglo-French scruple, from Latin scrupulus a unit of weight, diminutive of scrupus sharp stone

noun

  1. a unit of capacity equal to 1/2₄ Apothecaries' ounce

  2. a minute part or quantity : iota

noun

  1. an ethical consideration or principle that inhibits action

  2. the quality or state of being scrupulous

  3. mental reservation

qualm scruple compunction demur mean a misgiving about what one is doing or going to do. qualm implies an uneasy fear that one is not following one's conscience or better judgment. scruple implies doubt of the rightness of an act on grounds of principle.

verb

  1. to have scruples

  2. to show reluctance on grounds of conscience : hesitate