ˈskrüpyələs adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin scrupulosus, from scrupulus scruple + -osus -ous
1.
a. : characterized by scruple : having moral integrity : principled
less scrupulous producers sent bundles that were deceptive in appearance — American Guide Series: Maryland
a more scrupulous court would disqualify itself — H.L.Ickes
b. : correct to the smallest detail : punctiliously exact : painstaking , precise
the orchestral score … was articulated with scrupulous precision and clarity — Musical America
endeavored to follow the originals with scrupulous care, even to … reproducing mistakes in spelling — M.M.Mathews
her recoil from her husband's inefficiency was in the direction of a scrupulous neatness — Ellen Glasgow
c. : carefully adhering to ethical standards : conscientious , strict
it is this scrupulous honesty toward herself and others that is the redeeming side of her character — Malcolm Cowley
distinguished for scrupulous fairness, he was notoriously insusceptible to any political influence — S.H.Adams
2. obsolete : open to question on moral grounds
the justice of that cause ought to be evident: not obscure, not scrupulous — Francis Bacon
3.
a. obsolete : excessively careful : cautious , wary
so curious and scrupulous in many of their cities … that they will admit no stranger within the walls — Thomas Coryat
b. archaic : hesitant especially for ethical reasons : doubtful , reluctant
primitive Christians were very scrupulous of calling the emperors Dominus — Edward Stillingfleet
Synonyms: see careful , upright