scruples

scru·ple  (skrpl)

n.

1. An uneasy feeling arising from conscience or principle that tends to hinder action. See Synonyms at qualm.

2. Abbr. sc. or scr. A unit of apothecary weight equal to about 1.3 grams, or 20 grains.

3. A minute part or amount.

intr.v. scru·pled, scru·pling, scru·ples

To hesitate as a result of conscience or principle: "A man who could make so vile a pun would not scruple to pick a pocket" (John Dennis).

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[Middle English scrupul, from Old French scrupule, from Latin scrpulus, small unit of measurement, scruple, diminutive of scrpus, rough stone, scruple.]

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

scruples - motivation deriving logically from ethical or moral principles that govern a person's thoughts and actions conscience, moral sense, sense of right and wrong superego - (psychoanalysis) that part of the unconscious mind that acts as a conscience ethical motive, ethics, morals, morality - motivation based on ideas of right and wrong small voice, voice of conscience, wee small voice - an inner voice that judges your behavior sense of duty, sense of shame - a motivating awareness of ethical responsibility