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| scru·ple [ skrp'l ] |
noun (plural scru·ples) |
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| Definition: |
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1. moral or ethical consideration: a moral or ethical consideration that tends to restrain action or behavior
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2. unit of weight: a unit of apothecaries' weight equal to or about 1.3 g (20 grains)
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3. very small amount: a minute amount or portion of something
(
archaic
)
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intransitive verb (past and past participle scru·pled, present participle scru·pling, 3rd person present singular scru·ples) |
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| Definition: |
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hesitate because of moral considerations: to hesitate to act, or refrain from taking action, because of moral or ethical considerations
  She wouldn't scruple to cheat.
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| [15th century. Via French< Latin scrupulus "small sharp stone, uneasiness" < scrupus "sharp stone"] |
