Compunctiously

com·punc·tion  (km-pngkshn)

n.

1. A strong uneasiness caused by a sense of guilt. See Synonyms at penitence.

2. A sting of conscience or a pang of doubt aroused by wrongdoing or the prospect of wrongdoing. See Synonyms at qualm.

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[Middle English compunccioun, from Old French componction, from Late Latin compncti, compnctin-, puncture, sting of conscience, from Latin compnctus, past participle of compungere, to sting : com-, intensive pref.; see com- + pungere, to prick; see peuk- in Indo-European roots.]

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com·punctious (-shs) adj.

com·punctious·ly adv.