I. ˈskrü-pəl noun
Etymology: Middle English scrupil, scriple, from Anglo-French scruple, from Latin scrupulus a unit of weight, diminutive of scrupus sharp stone
Date: 14th century
1. — see weight table
2. : a minute part or quantity : iota
II. noun
Etymology: Middle English scripil, scrupill, from Anglo-French scruble, from Latin scrupulus, diminutive of scrupus source of uneasiness, literally, sharp stone
Date: 15th century
1. : an ethical consideration or principle that inhibits action
2. : the quality or state of being scrupulous
3. : mental reservation
Synonyms: see qualm
III. intransitive verb
( scru·pled ; scru·pling -p(ə-)liŋ)
Date: 1627
1. : to have scruples
2. : to show reluctance on grounds of conscience : hesitate