SCRUPLE

I. noun Etymology: Middle English scrupil, scriple, from Anglo-French ~, from Latin scrupulus a unit of weight, diminutive of scrupus sharp stone Date: 14th century see: weight 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 an ethical consideration or principle that inhibits action, the quality or state of being scrupulous, mental reservation, see: qualm III. intransitive verb (~d; scrupling) Date: 1627 to have ~s, to show reluctance on grounds of conscience ; hesitate