n. (usu. with neg.)
1. the pricking of the conscience.
2 a slight regret; a scruple (without compunction; have no compunction in refusing him).
Derivatives:
compunctious adj. compunctiously adv.
Etymology: ME f. OF componction f. eccl.L compunctio -onis f. L compungere compunct- (as com-, pungere prick)