Scruple

Noun

Definition: A feeling of doubt or hesitation with regard to the morality or propriety of a course of action.

Definition: A unit of weight used by apothecaries, equal to 20 grains or 1/3 of a dram.

Synonyms: Qualm, Compunction, Misgiving

Antonyms: Certainty, Conviction, Indifference

Examples:

Mnemonics:

Think of "scrupulous" which means being careful and thorough in doing things and therefore implies a sense of ethics and morality.

Origin:

Middle English (in the sense 'small weight or measure'): from scrupulus (see also scruple^2).

Historical Usage:

The term was first used in the sense of a small weight or measure before being applied to a moral hesitation or doubt.

Idiom:

"Without scruple"

Explanation:

Acting without any hesitation or moral qualms.

Misconception:

Confusing "scruple" (noun) with other measurements, such as "cup" or "ounce".

Explanation:

While "scruple" has historical usage as a measurement, its primary meaning today pertains to a moral hesitation or doubt.