1. a feeling of doubt or hesitation with regard to the morality or propriety of a course of action
2. a unit of weight equal to 20 grains or one third of a dram
Usage: archaic; apothecary

1. to hesitate or be reluctant to do something that one thinks may be wrong

Examples

• She had no scruples about lying to get the job.
• His moral scruples prevented him from cheating on the exam.
• Without a scruple of conscience, he took credit for her work.
• The politician showed no scruples when it came to accepting bribes.
• He didn’t scruple to use his influence for personal gain.
• She would not scruple to tell him exactly what she thought.
• The apothecary measured out three scruples of the medicine.