SCRUPLE


Meaning of SCRUPLE in English

n. & v.

n. 1 (in sing. or pl.) a regard to the morality or propriety of an action. b a feeling of doubt or hesitation caused by this. 2 Brit. hist. an apothecaries' weight of 20 grains. 3 archaic a very small quantity.

v.intr. 1 (foll. by to + infin.; usu. with neg.) be reluctant because of scruples (did not scruple to stop their allowance). 2 feel or be influenced by scruples.

[ F scrupule or L scrupulus f. scrupus rough pebble, anxiety ]

Concise Oxford English dictionary.      Краткий оксфордский словарь английского языка.