Dictionary definition · scruple
noun
- a unit of apothecary weight equal to 20 grains
- uneasiness about the fitness of an action (particularly for reasons of ethics, morals or propriety)
- an ethical or moral principle that inhibits action
verb
- hesitate on moral grounds"The man scrupled to perjure himself"
- raise scruples"He lied and did not even scruple about it"
- have doubts about
Source: Open English WordNet (CC BY 4.0).