Scruple
SCRUPLE, a term used in the two senses of (i) perplexity, doubt, reluctance or hesitation, especially the moral doubt arising from the difficulties of conscience; (2) a unit of weight, 5*1 part of the ounce in apothecaries' weight, =J of a dram, 20 grains (1-296 grammes). The word is an adaptation of Fr. scrupitle, Lat. scrupulus, scrupulum, primarily a small sharp stone, also used in both the English meanings, dim. of scrupus, a rough stone, figuratively uneasiness of mind, probably to be connected with the root skar, to cut, cf. Gr. an.vpov, stonechippings, vp6v, a razor.
Note - this article incorporates content from Encyclopaedia Britannica, Eleventh Edition, (1910-1911)
