scruplen.1
/ˈskruːp(ə)l/ A small unit of weight or measurement.† 3. As a unit of time.† 4. A Roman land-measure of ten feet square, being the 24th part of an uncia and 288th of a jugerum. Obsolete.
1. attributive.1879 St. George's Hosp. Rep. 9 647 He was ordered scruple doses of salicylate of ammonia.
a. A unit of weight = 20 grains, 1/ 3 drachm, 1/ 24 oz. Apothecaries' weight. Denoted by the character ℈.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement by weighing > [noun] > unit or denomination of weight > scruple
scriple?a1425
scruple1564
scriptule1601
1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) Exod. xxx. 13 A sicle, that is, a nounce, hath twenti half scripilles.
1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) 1 Sam. xxv. 31 This shal not be to thee..into scripil of herte [L. in scrupulum cordis].
c1440 Pallad. on Husb. ii. 418 Putte theryn A scriple of foyl, and half a scriple of fyn Saffron.
c1450 Mirk's Festial 18 This holy apostoll preuet so oure fay, þat he lafte no scrypull yn no parte þeryn.
?1544 J. Heywood Foure PP sig. C.iij Here is syrapus de Byzansis A lyttell thynge is Inough of this For euen the weyght of one scryppull Shall make you stronge as a cryppull.]
1564 W. Bullein Dialogue against Fever Pestilence f. 31 Take Theriaca..ij. Scruples..bole Amoniacke prepared, half a Scruple.
1583 P. Barrough Methode of Phisicke sig. *viijv A scruple is twentie barely cornes.
1632 P. Massinger Emperour of East iv. iii. sig. I2 With some few scruples of sassa-fras and Guacum.
1710 P. Blair Let. 20 Mar. in Misc. Observ. (1718) 63 It weighed betwixt a Scruple and half a Dram.
1843 T. Watson Lect. Physic I. xxxix. 700 It consists of the iodide of mercury, mixed with lard, in the proportion of two scruples to the ounce.
b. Alleged values of doubtful authority.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement by weighing > [noun] > unit or denomination of weight > other disused units
markOE
peisea1382
straw1540
scruple1656
1656 T. Blount Glossographia Scruple (scriptulum), is of Troy weight seven grains and an half.
1688 R. Holme Acad. Armory iii. 339/1 A scruple is 14 graines.
1728 E. Chambers Cycl. at Scrupulus Among Goldsmiths, the Scruple is 24 Grains.
2. † b. Astronomy in special collocations (see quots.).In some dictionaries scruple is said to be synonymous with digit n. 2, but this seems to be an erroneous inference from statements like that in quot. 17281.
a. One-sixtieth of a degree; a minute of arc. first, second, third scruple, the first, second, third power of one-sixtieth. Cf. minute n.1, etymological note.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > number > geometry > angle > [noun] > degree > minute
minutec1550
min1559
scruple1610
1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. i. 205 The latitude fiftie degrees, and fortie scruples or minutes.
1610 P. Holland tr. W. Camden Brit. i. 474 Two and fiftie degrees and fortie scrupuls from the Aequator.
1655 T. Fuller Hist. Univ. Cambr. i. 16 in Church-hist. Brit. Northampton lying within twenty nine scruples of the same degree of longitude with Oxford.
1702 V. Mandey tr. J. J. Hainlin Synopsis Mathematica: Pract. Arithm. i. 75 A Degree is sub~divided into Minutes, or First Scruples, 60′. A First Scruple, into Seconds, 60″. Seconds, into Thirds, and so on.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the universe > heavenly body > movement of heavenly bodies > [noun] > scruple
scruple1633
the world > the universe > planet > primary planet > moon > [noun] > digit
point?c1400
finger1561
prick1561
punct1561
scruple1633
digit1807
the world > the universe > planet > primary planet > moon > lunar orbit > [noun] > scruple
scruple1633
1633 H. Gellibrand in T. James Strange Voy. App. sig. R2 The middle motion of the ☉ Center... The Prosthaphæresis of the Center add... The Proportional Scruples.—l.
1658 J. Gadbury Γενεθλιαλογία ii. 229 Then..take out the Scruples of proportion, and reserve them until anon.
1728 E. Chambers Cycl. (at cited word) Scruples eclipsed are that Part of the Moons Diameters which enters the Shadow, expressed in the same Measure wherein the apparent Diameter of the Moon is expressed.
1728 E. Chambers Cycl. (at cited word) Scruples of Immersion, or Incidence, are an Arch of the Moon's Orbit, which her Centre describes from the Beginning of the Eclipse, to the Time when its Centre falls into the Shadow... Scruples of Emersion, are an Arch of the Moon's Orbit, which her Centre describes in the Time from the first Emersion of the Moon's Limb, to the End of the Eclipse.
a. scruple of an hour: the sixtieth part of an hour, a minute: more fully first scruple, the successive smaller fractions of the sexagesimal scale being called second scruple (= our ‘second’), third, fourth, fifth, etc. scruple.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > period > minute > [noun]
minutea1393
mint-whilec1400
minute tide1492
min1588
scruple of an hour1603
M1670
1603 C. Heydon Def. Iudiciall Astrol. iv. 143 I haue a plumbe watche..and this, with one motion giueth me so perfectly, both the minute and second scruple of time, that hauing obserued [etc.].
1631 F. Quarles Hist. Samson Med. xxi. 128 How can it be expected, we have power To hold out Seige, one scruple of an hower.
1640 Bp. J. Wilkins Disc. New World & Another Planet (new ed.) ii. vii. 124 If a man leaping up in a Ship, may abide in the Aire on the second scruple of an houre.
c1653 T. Whalley Let. in R. Parr Life J. Usher (1686) Coll. cclxxxvii. 603 [A computation expressed in sexagesimals of an hour is referred to as being] in hourly scruples.
b. Similarly, the day of 24 hours was divided sexagesimally into first, second, etc. scruples, the ‘first scruple’ being = 24 minutes.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > period > minute > [noun] > period of specific number of minutes
milec1275
mileway1370
ghurry1638
scruple1702
1702 V. Mandey tr. J. J. Hainlin Synopsis Mathematica: Pract. Arithm. i. 77 Astronomically, a Day is divided as an Integer, into first Scruples 60′. A Prime or first Scruple into 60″, and so on.
c. In Rabbinical chronology, the 1080th part of an hour, equal to 1/ 18 of a minute (= late Hebrew ḥēleq; the attribution of this measure to the Arabs is a mistake). Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > period > hour > [noun] > specific part of an hour
prickOE
momentumOE
prickleOE
punctOE
mileway1370
momenta1398
pointa1398
half-hourc1420
quartera1500
glass1599
semi-hore1623
scruple1728
part1806
1728 E. Chambers Cycl. (at cited word) The Chaldee Scrupule is 1/1080 Part of an Hour; called, by the Hebrews, Helakim. These Scruples are much used by the Jews, Arabs, and other Eastern People.
1788 W. Marsden in Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 78 419 The lunar month..according to the computation of the Arabian Astronomers, consists of 29 days, 12 hours, and 792 scruples or parts in 1080.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement of area > [noun] > a system or process of measuring land > ancient Roman units
actusa1398
centurya1398
jugera1398
scruplea1690
a1690 S. Jeake Λογιστικηλογία (1696) 114 A Scruple of an Arpent is 1/48 of an Arpent or 10 Feet Square every way.
5. One-twelfth of an inch; a line. Also, one-tenth of a geometrical inch. ( Cent. Dict.)
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > measurement > measurement of length > [noun] > units of length or distance > inch > one twelfth of an inch
line1665
prime1703
scruple1802
second1842
1802 H. Martin Helen of Glenross III This to me, who never leave one scruple of an inch of my paper unadorned by my literary genius.
6. figurative. A very small quantity or amount; a very small part or portion.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > quantity > smallness of quantity, amount, or degree > [noun] > a small quantity or amount > a very small amount
shredc1000
farthingsworthc1325
pennyworthc1330
incha1350
sliverc1374
chipa1393
gnastc1440
Jack1530
spoonful1531
crumba1535
spark1548
slight1549
pin's worth1562
scruple1574
thought1581
pinch1583
scrap1583
splinter1609
ticket1634
notchet1637
indivisible1644
tinyc1650
twopence1691
turn of the scale(s)1706
enough to swear by1756
touch1786
scrimptiona1825
infinitesimal1840
smidgen1841
snuff1842
fluxion1846
smitchel1856
eyelash1860
smidge1866
tenpenceworth1896
whisker1913
tidge1986
1574 E. Hellowes tr. A. de Guevara Familiar Epist. 121 There is no loue in this world so perfet, as that which holdeth no scrupule of intereste.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) i. i. 37 Nature neuer lends The smallest scruple of her excellence, But [etc.] . View more context for this quotation
1644 J. Milton Areopagitica 19 Look into Italy and Spain, whether those places be one scruple the better.
a1680 S. Butler Genuine Remains (1759) I. 111 Each Word and Syllable brought to the Scale, And valu'd to a Scruple in the Sale.
1830 J. Galt Lawrie Todd I. ii. i. 87 In the choice of a second wife, one scruple of prudence is worth a pound of passion.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
scruplen.2
/ˈskruːp(ə)l/ 1.
a. A thought or circumstance that troubles the mind or conscience; a doubt, uncertainty or hesitation in regard to right and wrong, duty, propriety, etc.; esp. one which is regarded as over-refined or over-nice, or which causes a person to hesitate where others would be bolder to act. Often, scruple of conscience.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > wish or inclination > unwillingness > [noun]
un-i-willa1225
unlustc1230
dangerc1290
loathnessa1300
thronessa1400
grudgingc1420
nilling?a1425
unlustiness?a1425
loathinessc1449
difficulty?c1450
grudge1477
sticking1525
scruple1526
unreadiness1526
sweerness1533
dangerousness1548
untowardnessa1555
envy1557
loathsomeness1560
retractation1563
stickling1589
indisposition1593
loathfulness1596
backwardness1597
unwillingness1597
reluctation1598
offwardness1600
undisposedness1600
hinka1614
reluctancy1621
reluctancea1628
renitence1640
nolencea1651
nolencya1651
indisposedness1651
shyness1651
nolition1653
costiveness1654
sullenness1659
scrupling1665
regret1667
queerness1687
stickiness1689
disinclination1695
uneasinessa1715
tarditude1794
disclination1812
inalacrity1813
grudgingness1820
tarrowing1832
reticence1863
grudgery1889
balkiness1894
safety first1913
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > [noun] > scruple of conscience
scriplea1382
grutchingc1450
grudge1483
scruple1526
scrupulosity?a1562
qualm1617
mote1619
alarm bella1629
squeam1798
society > morality > duty or obligation > recognition of duty > [noun] > conscientiousness > meticulous
conscience1483
scrupleness1489
scruple1526
scrupulosity1526
queasiness1576
punctualness1620
punctuality1622
scrupulousness1689
overscrupulousness1740
superstition1755
overscrupulosity1829
over-scruple1894
1526 W. Bonde Pylgrimage of Perfection ii. sig. Rii He wyll..lette the..simple person, fro the performyng of his dewtyes.., by the reason of..feares, and scruples.
c1534 T. More Wks. 1435/1 Though men..say it is no consience but a foolish scruple.
1548 Hall's Vnion: Henry VIII f. clxxix The kyng of England..was in a great scruple of his conscience & not quiet in his mynde.
1604 W. Shakespeare Hamlet iv. iv. 9 + 31 Some crauen scruple Of thinking too precisely on th'euent.
1660 Bp. J. Taylor Ductor Dubitantium I. i. vi. Rule 1 A Scruple is a great trouble of mind proceeding from a little motive.
1692 R. L'Estrange Fables xli. 43 Upon the nicest Scruples of Honour.
1759 R. Jackson Hist. Rev. Pennsylvania 254 The Assembly did not, however, start any Scruple on this Head.
1788 E. Gibbon Decline & Fall V. xlix. 90 The scruples of reason, or piety, were silenced by the strong evidence of visions and miracles.
1855 F. W. Faber Growth in Holiness (ed. 2) xvii. 299 A scruple is..a vain fear of sin where there is no reason nor reasonable ground for suspecting sin.
1868 E. Edwards Life Sir W. Ralegh I. ii. 34 They had to deal with enemies who were troubled with few scruples.
b. in generalized sense. (Sometimes = scrupulosity.)
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > [noun]
studyinglOE
orrathnessc1175
doubta1225
balance1297
were1303
doubtancec1325
unsickernessc1340
wilsomenessa1400
wonda1400
scriple?a1425
ambiguityc1425
diswerec1440
dubitationc1450
variation?1473
incertainty1483
doubting1486
doubtfulness1526
scrupulousness1526
scruple1548
uncertainty1548
disputation1549
irresolution1592
swithering1597
hesitance1601
incertitude1601
unpersuadedness1612
inassurance1614
hesitancy1617
unsettledness1619
hesitation1622
unsatisfaction1643
unsatisfiedness1646
dubitancy1649
insecurity1649
dispersuasion1653
unassuredness1660
scrupling1665
unconfidencea1670
swither1719
dubietyc1750
mank1808
suspense1816
dubitating1837
doubtingness1840
1548 Order of Communion sig. B.i To the satysfaccyon of hys mynd and aduoydyng of al scruple and doubtfulnes.
1660 Bp. J. Taylor Ductor Dubitantium I. i. vi. Rule 2 §1 This is a right course in the matter of scruple; proceed to action.
1689 J. Evelyn Diary (1955) IV. 626 The AB of Cant, & some of the rest, upon scrupule of Conscience..entred their protests, & hung off.
1788 E. Gibbon Decline & Fall V. xlix. 90 At first, the experiment was made with caution and scruple.
1848 Baroness Bunsen in A. J. C. Hare Life & Lett. Baroness Bunsen (1879) II. iii. 114 He expresses much concern and scruple about the trouble he occasions.
1872 R. D. Blackmore Maid of Sker I. vi. 48 Just as I had made up my mind to lift up the latch, and to walk in freely, as I would have done in most other houses, but stood on scruple with Evan Thomas.
c. without scruple.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > [adverb] > with moral certainty
without scruple1526
1526 Bible (Tyndale) Acts x. 29 Therfore cam I unto you with outen scruple [Gk. ἀναντιρρήτως].
a1616 W. Shakespeare Merry Wives of Windsor (1623) v. v. 148 Giuen our selues without scruple to hell. View more context for this quotation
1788 E. Gibbon Decline & Fall V. xlix. 98 The Jewish king, who had broken without scruple the brazen serpent.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. I. ii. 186 Attacked by the civil power, they without scruple repelled force by force.
d. to have scruples; to have little, no scruple, etc. Const. about (a matter), in (doing something).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > doubt, be uncertain [verb (intransitive)]
tweonc897
to be at or in weeningc1275
doubtc1325
dreadc1400
vary1477
swither1535
stay1583
to have or make scruple of1600
demur1612
demurea1616
hesitate1623
Nicodemize1624
scruple1639
scrupulize1642
query1647
to make doubt1709
to have scruples1719
to have weres1768
mislippen1816
dubitate1837
the mind > will > wish or inclination > unwillingness > be unwilling [verb (intransitive)]
nillOE
loathea1200
to make it tough1297
forthinka1300
reckc1300
ruea1400
to make (it) strangec1405
to make strangenessc1407
stick1418
resistc1425
to make (it) strange?1456
steek1478
tarrowc1480
doubt1483
sunyie1488
to make (it) nice1530
stay1533
shentc1540
to make courtesy (at)1542
to make it scrupulous1548
to think (it) much1548
to make dainty of (anything)1555
to lie aback1560
stand1563
steek1573
to hang back1581
erch1584
to make doubt1586
to hang the groin1587
to make scruple (also a, no, etc., scruple)1589
yearn1597
to hang the winga1601
to make squeamish1611
smay1632
bogglea1638
to hang off1641
waver1643
reluct1648
shy1650
reluctate1655
stickle1656
scruple1660
to make boggle1667
revere1689
begrudge1690
to have scruples1719
stopc1738
bitch1777
reprobate1779
crane1823
disincline1885
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > feel or be confident [verb (intransitive)] > on moral grounds
to have little, no scruple1719
1719 D. Defoe Life Robinson Crusoe 340 I had some little Scruple in my Mind about Religion, which insensibly drew me back.
1736 Gentleman's Mag. Dec. 709/2 That the Quakers can have no Scruple of Conscience in paying Tythes.
1828 T. B. Macaulay Hallam's Constit. Hist. in Edinb. Rev. Sept. 140 A man without truth or humanity may have some strange scruples about a trifle.
1850 J. W. Croker in Croker Papers 14 June (1884) I. i. 18 If you have the slightest [objection], pray have no scruple in leaving my curiosity ungratified.
1866 C. Kingsley Hereward the Wake I. viii. 199 [They] had little scruple in applying to a witch.
e. to make scruple (also a, no, etc., scruple): to entertain or raise a scruple or doubt; to hesitate, be reluctant, esp. on conscientious grounds. Const. infinitive; also with of (at, in) = to stick at, hesitate to do or allow, etc. ? Obsolete. (Cf. French faire scrupule, with similar constructions.)
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > wish or inclination > unwillingness > be unwilling [verb (intransitive)]
nillOE
loathea1200
to make it tough1297
forthinka1300
reckc1300
ruea1400
to make (it) strangec1405
to make strangenessc1407
stick1418
resistc1425
to make (it) strange?1456
steek1478
tarrowc1480
doubt1483
sunyie1488
to make (it) nice1530
stay1533
shentc1540
to make courtesy (at)1542
to make it scrupulous1548
to think (it) much1548
to make dainty of (anything)1555
to lie aback1560
stand1563
steek1573
to hang back1581
erch1584
to make doubt1586
to hang the groin1587
to make scruple (also a, no, etc., scruple)1589
yearn1597
to hang the winga1601
to make squeamish1611
smay1632
bogglea1638
to hang off1641
waver1643
reluct1648
shy1650
reluctate1655
stickle1656
scruple1660
to make boggle1667
revere1689
begrudge1690
to have scruples1719
stopc1738
bitch1777
reprobate1779
crane1823
disincline1885
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > doubt, be uncertain [verb (intransitive)] > on grounds of conscience
to make (no) scriple of conscience1578
to make scruple (also a, no, etc., scruple)1589
1589 ‘Pasquill of England’ Returne of Pasquill sig. Bj They presume to make a shrewde scruple of their obedience.
1591 H. Savile tr. Tacitus Ende of Nero: Fower Bks. Hist. i. 51 Making a scruple that the holy shields called Ancilia were as yet not layed up againe.
1605 B. Jonson Sejanus iv. i. 487 Lac. But is that true, it 'tis prohibited To sacrifice vnto him? Ter. Some such thing Cæsar makes scruple of, but forbids it not. View more context for this quotation
1605 F. Bacon Of Aduancem. Learning ii. sig. Ccc4v Cæsar..made no scruple to professe, that hee had rather bee first in a village, then second at Rome. View more context for this quotation
1639 N. N. tr. J. Du Bosc Compl. Woman i. 57 The superstitious make more scruple of a little sinne then of a great.
1670 A. Marvell Let. 1 Feb. in Poems & Lett. (1971) II. 263 One of those who thinke it the greatest point of wisdome to make the most scruples.
1722 D. Defoe Moll Flanders 240 I made no scruple at taking these Goods.
1845 R. Ford Hand-bk. Travellers in Spain I. i. 14 Small scruple is made by the authorities in opening private letters.
a. A doubt or uncertainty as to a matter of fact or allegation; an intellectual difficulty, perplexity, or objection. beyond a scruple, beyond doubt or cavil. Obsolete.The phrase ‘scruple of suspition’ (quot. 1534) perhaps contains an etymologizing reference to scruple n.1 6. Cf. ‘un seul scrupule de doubte’, 16th cent. in Littré.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > [noun] > a doubt, scruple
were1338
doubtc1374
incertainty1483
scruple1534
dubitation1545
scrupulosity?a1562
irresolution1592
suspense1594
non liquet1656
nicety1694
reservation1719
hows and whys1726
dubiety1807
1534 T. More in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1824) 1st Ser. II. 49 In eny parte of all which my dealing, whither eny other man may peradventure put eny dowt, or move eny scruple of suspition.
1569 R. Grafton Chron. II. 644 For auoyding of which scruple & ambiguity: Edmond Erle of Marche..made his tytle and righteous clayme.
1597 T. Morley Plaine & Easie Introd. Musicke 16 In the Table there is no difficultie..yet, to take away all scruple, I will shew you the vse of it.
1662 E. Stillingfleet Origines Sacræ i. v. §2 The only scruple is whether it was used in their sacred accounts or no.
1669 W. Penn Innocency 6 I hope my Innocency will appear beyond a scruple.
1725 D. Defoe New Voy. round World i. 23 The Captain..rais'd several Scruples about the Latitude which we should keep in such a Voyage.
1744 J. Harris Three Treat. iii. i. 140 A Subject, where one's own Interest appeared concerned so nearly, would well justify every Scruple, and even the severest Inquiry.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > doubt, be uncertain [verb (intransitive)]
tweonc897
to be at or in weeningc1275
doubtc1325
dreadc1400
vary1477
swither1535
stay1583
to have or make scruple of1600
demur1612
demurea1616
hesitate1623
Nicodemize1624
scruple1639
scrupulize1642
query1647
to make doubt1709
to have scruples1719
to have weres1768
mislippen1816
dubitate1837
society > faith > aspects of faith > theism > atheism > [noun]
unbeliefc1160
wantruthc1175
mislevea1200
doubta1225
untrothc1380
untruthc1380
unreligiositya1382
irreligiosity1382
unbelieffulnessc1384
unfaithfulness1388
unbelievinga1400
unfaith1415
wanbelevenessc1440
wanbelievingc1440
wantrowinga1450
wanbelevea1470
mistruthc1480
infidelity1509
incredulity1532
atheonismc1534
unbelievingness1561
irreligiousness?1577
faithlessness1579
unreligiousness1579
atheism1587
scruple1600
discredence1627
doubtinga1628
disbelieving1645
atheisticalness1654
diffidelity1659
disbelief1672
atheisticness1691
nothingism1755
scepticism1800
nihilisma1817
infidelisma1834
nothingarianism1842
agnosticism1870
disfaith1870
no-Goddism1931
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > lack of confidence, distrust, suspicion > [noun] > instance of
suspicionc1384
suspect1541
scruple1600
umbrage1604
gain-givinga1616
inkling1620
surmise1719
1600 W. Shakespeare Henry IV, Pt. 2 i. ii. 132 But how I should be your pacient to follow your prescriptions, the wise may make som dramme of a scruple, or indeede a scruple it selfe.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Cymbeline (1623) v. vi. 182 Whereat, I wretch Made scruple of his praise. View more context for this quotation
a1628 J. Preston New Covenant (1634) 116 When there is no scruple in our hearts of Gods love towards us.
1662 J. Evelyn Sculptura ii. 12 That Letters, and consequently Sculpture, was long before the Flood, we make no scruple of.
1667 A. Marvell Let. 2 Feb. in Poems & Lett. (1971) II. 54 If you find any thing perplext in it I shall..resolue any scruple that you may haue of its exposition.
1672 Duke of Buckingham Rehearsal i. 5 If you make the least scruple of the efficacie of these my Rules, do but come to the Play-house, and you shall judge of 'em by the effects.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > making certain, assurance > of course, certainly [phrase]
to iwissea1000
mid iwissea1000
in wisc1000
to wis(se)c1000
without(en (any) weenc1175
sans fail1297
thereof no strife1297
but werea1300
forouten werea1300
out of werea1300
without werea1300
without deceit1303
for certainc1320
it is to wittingc1320
withouten carec1320
without nayc1330
without noc1330
without (but out of) dread1340
no doubtc1380
without distancec1390
no fresea1400
out of doubta1400
without doubta1400
for, (in, at obs.), of, to (a) certaintyc1400
withouten stance14..
hazel woods shakea1413
of, on, in warrantisec1440
sure enough?1440
without question?1440
wythout diswerec1440
without any dispayrec1470
for (also of) a surety?a1475
in (also for) surenessa1475
of certainc1485
without any (also all) naya1500
out of question?1526
past question?1526
for sure1534
what else1540
beyond (also out of, past, without) (all) peradventure1542
to be a bidden by1549
out of (also without) all cry1565
with a witness1579
upon my word1591
no question1594
out of all suspicion1600
for a certain1608
without scruple1612
to be sure1615
that's pos1710
in course1722
beyond (all) question1817
(and) no mistake1818
no two ways about it (also that)1818
of course1823
bien entendu1844
yessiree1846
you bet you1857
make no mistake1876
acourse1883
sans doute1890
how are you?1918
you bet your bippy1968
1612 J. Selden in M. Drayton Poly-olbion xi. Illustr. 189 As is, without scruple, apparant in the date of the synod.
1690 J. Child Disc. Trade i. 16 The same Houses to be sold..would have yielded without scruple 1000 or 1200 l.
d. A suspicion of (something). rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > lack of confidence, distrust, suspicion > [noun]
ortrowthc1175
ortrowa1200
untrust?c1225
suspicion1303
suspectiona1340
mistrowa1375
overtrowa1375
misfaitha1382
jealousyc1385
suspectc1386
misdoubtingc1390
untrist1390
mistrowinga1393
mistrusta1393
mistrista1400
supposinga1400
untrestc1400
wantrustc1405
diffidencea1425
misdeemingc1450
untrustingc1450
discredence?a1475
surmise1509
suspensea1513
diffidency1537
distrust1548
distrusting1549
misdoubt1558
discredit1567
misgiving1582
scruple1597
disconfidence1620
inconfidence1627
disaffiance1631
non-fiance1643
defiance1662
suspiciencya1690
reservation1719
disfaith1870
méfiance1876
1597 Sir R. Cecil in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1824) 1st Ser. III. 42 Wherein that you may see the poore unfortunate Secretarie will leave no scrupule in you of lack of industry, to yeald you all satisfaction..I have thought good to [etc.].
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > understanding > reason, faculty of reasoning > misleading argument, sophistry > excessive subtlety, hair-splitting > trivial argument, quibble > [noun]
quiddity1539
quibc1540
quibibec1540
quirk1565
quillity1573
quid1576
quillet1576
quipa1592
quiddit1592
quidlit1598
quibibble1606
punctual1610
quidlibet1611
catasophistrya1614
quibbling1633
Scotism1645
quibble1650
thingum1672
quoddity1682
scruple1713
baffle1783
nit1982
1713 H. Felton Diss. Reading Classics 58 If there is any Thing else Commentators concern themselves about, it is Propriety of Expression, or rather some Verbal Niceties, and Grammatical Scruples.
Compounds
C1. General attributive.† scruple-drawer n. Obsolete (applied to a confessor.)
ΘΚΠ
society > faith > church government > member of the clergy > confessor > [noun]
shriftc897
fatherOE
shrift-father?c1225
penancerc1300
confessor1340
shriver1340
penitencera1387
penitentiary?a1475
pentionary1560
confessary1629
confessarius1661
scruple-drawer1701
soul friend1891
1701 Laconics (new ed.) iii. 109 The late Ordinary of Newgate Mr. Smith, who was one of the most Famous Scruple-drawers of his time.
scruple-monger n.
ΚΠ
1675 Walton Hooker in Wordsw. Eccl. Biog. (1818) IV. 223 There were also many of these Scruplemongers that pretended a tenderness of conscience, refusing to take an oath before a lawful magistrate.
C2.
scruple-selling n.
ΚΠ
a1704 T. Brown Dialogues of Dead in 4th Vol. Wks. (1720) 197 Printed by one of those godly Wholesale-Dealers in Scandal, those Scruple-selling Vermin of the Poultry.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
scruplev.
/ˈskruːp(ə)l/ 1. transitive. To have or make scruples about; to demur to, take exception to, question the propriety or expediency of (something done or to be done); to hesitate or stick at (doing something). ? Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > objection > object [verb (transitive)]
strivea1400
objectc1443
repugna1513
controlc1525
to lay something in a person's light1530
pass1534
take1542
to think (it) much1548
challenge?1577
except1577
except1597
to formalize upon1597
formalize1599
scruple1627
demur1827
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > doubt [verb (transitive)] > on grounds of conscience
scruple1627
1627 W. Sclater Briefe Expos. 2 Thess. (1629) 175 Was euer a Papist knowne to scruple this sinne? Not to extenuate it as veniall?
1692 J. Locke 3rd Let. for Toleration iii, in Wks. (1714) II. 347 Perhaps it is because he scruples the Cross in Baptism.
1720 D. Defoe Mem. Cavalier 321 Let no Man scruple my honourable Mention of this noble Enemy.
1748 Ld. Chesterfield Let. 25 Mar. (1932) (modernized text) III. 1125 He scrupled no means to obtain his ends.
1839 H. Hallam Introd. Lit. Europe III. iii. 234 It seems reasonable not to scruple a word so convenient.
a. To doubt, question, hesitate to believe (a fact, allegation, etc.); to question the truth, goodness, or genuineness of. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > doubt [verb (transitive)]
doubta1400
question1533
misdoubt?c1550
scrupulize1625
scruple1641
demur1667
suspect1698
query1815
1641 D. Cawdrey Three Serm. 13 The Truth of this Grant may well be scrupled.
1660 tr. M. Amyraut Treat. conc. Relig. iii. viii. 474 The Doctrine of a Third [Person] ought not to be scrupul'd.
1752 J. Gill Doctr. Trinity (ed. 2) iv. 75 Though the Father's Deity is not scrupled, or called in question.
1790 R. Tyler Contrast iii i. 40 Though I don't scruple your veracity, I have some reasons for believing you were there.
1848 W. H. Mill Five Serm. 142 The charge of ignorance of the Gospel is often made against those who scruple statements resembling..this.
ΚΠ
1642 Coll. Rights & Priviledges Parl. 9 They at the first scrupuled, whether or no they might take up armes for their own defence against that cruell arrest.
1651 N. Biggs Matæotechnia Medicinæ Praxeωs ⁋275 It is not to be scrupled that the omnipotent and wise Creator saw and judged all things that he had made to be good.
1665 T. Manley tr. H. Grotius De Rebus Belgicis 7 They were of invincible spirits to undergo all manner of..dangers, whereby it was scrupled by the rest of the World, Whether they were more greedy or Honour or Wealth?
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > doubt [verb (transitive)] > cause doubt
branglea1600
forgive1600
stumble1607
uncertain1614
uncredit1615
disconceita1639
scruple1638
startle1643
stagger1646
unfix1650
inscruple1663
unhinge1719
unconvince1815
unsettle1833
to keep (a person) guessing1896
1638 W. Chillingworth Relig. Protestants i. vi. §72. 380 But all of them..fear the event of such a tryall [of their religion] that they may be scrupled and staggered and disquieted by it.
1657 J. Watts Scribe, Pharisee iii. 72 The dangerous tentations of the Devil, wherewith he and his instruments..do mainly assault the mindes, and scruple the consciences,..of the weaker amongst us.
1689 in Colonial Rec. Pennsylvania (1852) I. 255 If he had anything that scrupled him in matter of Law.
4.
a. intransitive. To entertain or raise scruples; to hesitate, demur, †doubt. Chiefly to scruple at (also in indirect passive). Now rare.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > doubt, be uncertain [verb (intransitive)]
tweonc897
to be at or in weeningc1275
doubtc1325
dreadc1400
vary1477
swither1535
stay1583
to have or make scruple of1600
demur1612
demurea1616
hesitate1623
Nicodemize1624
scruple1639
scrupulize1642
query1647
to make doubt1709
to have scruples1719
to have weres1768
mislippen1816
dubitate1837
the mind > language > statement > speaking against or contradiction > speak against or contradict [verb (transitive)]
withsake971
withsayc1175
forbidc1275
withtellec1275
counterplead1377
again-saya1382
withsaya1382
contrary1382
countersay1393
withstand1513
transverse1532
cross1589
contradict1596
controvert1596
respire1629
scruple1639
contravene1722
oppugn1781
countervene1825
to stand down1869
1639 J. Saltmarsh Pract. Policie 120 When you are to be engaged in imploiment, and your abilities are doubted and questioned, and therefore you are scrupeld at.
1686 tr. J. Chardin Trav. Persia 63 Although M. de Nointel scrupl'd at first, yet he consented at length.
1708 E. Halley in Miscellanea Curiosa (Royal Soc.) (ed. 2) III. 407 Whilst I was scrupling at this Relation, they brought me Gallasius his Commentary upon Exodus.
1824 R. Southey Sir Thomas More (1831) I. 26 The sovereigns..who scrupled at no means for securing themselves on the throne.
1861 H. T. Buckle Hist. Civilisation Eng. (1873) II. viii. 481 His love for the Church was a passion and he scrupled at nothing which could advance its interests.
b. quasi-reflexive with complement: To allow one's scruples to drive one out of.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > statement > objection > object [verb (reflexive)]
scruple1786
1786 J. Newton in J. Bull Mem. W. Bull (1864) 163 Mr. R. of Birmingham has indeed had some sceptical qualms about his situation in the Church, and some thoughts of seceding or dissenting from us... I shall be sorry if he scruples himself out of a sphere of usefulness.
5. Const. infinitive: To hesitate or be reluctant (to do something), esp. on conscientious grounds, or out of regard for what is fit and proper. (The current use.)
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > wish or inclination > unwillingness > be unwilling [verb (intransitive)]
nillOE
loathea1200
to make it tough1297
forthinka1300
reckc1300
ruea1400
to make (it) strangec1405
to make strangenessc1407
stick1418
resistc1425
to make (it) strange?1456
steek1478
tarrowc1480
doubt1483
sunyie1488
to make (it) nice1530
stay1533
shentc1540
to make courtesy (at)1542
to make it scrupulous1548
to think (it) much1548
to make dainty of (anything)1555
to lie aback1560
stand1563
steek1573
to hang back1581
erch1584
to make doubt1586
to hang the groin1587
to make scruple (also a, no, etc., scruple)1589
yearn1597
to hang the winga1601
to make squeamish1611
smay1632
bogglea1638
to hang off1641
waver1643
reluct1648
shy1650
reluctate1655
stickle1656
scruple1660
to make boggle1667
revere1689
begrudge1690
to have scruples1719
stopc1738
bitch1777
reprobate1779
crane1823
disincline1885
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > doubt [verb (transitive)] > to take action
misdoubt1581
scruple1660
1660 F. Brooke tr. V. Le Blanc World Surveyed 357 Fathers not scrupling to make their own children victims.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ix. 997 He scrupl'd not to eat Against his better knowledge. View more context for this quotation
1687 A. Lovell tr. J. de Thévenot Trav. into Levant ii. 119 The Muletors scrupuled to let us have Mules to Ride on.
1761 D. Hume Hist. Eng. II. xxxv. 279 The lords for some time scrupled to pass this clause.
1866 J. Bryce Holy Rom. Empire (new ed.) x. 181 The Pope did not scruple to preach a crusade against the Emperor himself.
1871 R. Ellis tr. Catullus Poems p. xix Nor have I scrupled to forsake the ancient quantity in proper names.
Derivatives
ˈscrupled adj. questioned, made an object of scruple.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > [adjective] > subjected to query
in question1563
questioned1574
impugned1599
scrupled1670
queried?1727
doubted1795
impugnable1823
1670 R. Baxter Cure Church-div. 381 Let all Rulers multiply unnecessary scrupled impositions in their own dominions.
1696 W. Whiston New Theory of Earth ii. 151 One of the most scrupled and exceptionable Points of his Narration, that of the Universal Deluge.
1827 H. Hallam Constit. Hist. Eng. II. xv. 524 The bill of comprehension proposed to parliament went no farther than to leave a few scrupled ceremonies at discretion.
ˈscrupling n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > [noun]
studyinglOE
orrathnessc1175
doubta1225
balance1297
were1303
doubtancec1325
unsickernessc1340
wilsomenessa1400
wonda1400
scriple?a1425
ambiguityc1425
diswerec1440
dubitationc1450
variation?1473
incertainty1483
doubting1486
doubtfulness1526
scrupulousness1526
scruple1548
uncertainty1548
disputation1549
irresolution1592
swithering1597
hesitance1601
incertitude1601
unpersuadedness1612
inassurance1614
hesitancy1617
unsettledness1619
hesitation1622
unsatisfaction1643
unsatisfiedness1646
dubitancy1649
insecurity1649
dispersuasion1653
unassuredness1660
scrupling1665
unconfidencea1670
swither1719
dubietyc1750
mank1808
suspense1816
dubitating1837
doubtingness1840
the mind > will > wish or inclination > unwillingness > [noun]
un-i-willa1225
unlustc1230
dangerc1290
loathnessa1300
thronessa1400
grudgingc1420
nilling?a1425
unlustiness?a1425
loathinessc1449
difficulty?c1450
grudge1477
sticking1525
scruple1526
unreadiness1526
sweerness1533
dangerousness1548
untowardnessa1555
envy1557
loathsomeness1560
retractation1563
stickling1589
indisposition1593
loathfulness1596
backwardness1597
unwillingness1597
reluctation1598
offwardness1600
undisposedness1600
hinka1614
reluctancy1621
reluctancea1628
renitence1640
nolencea1651
nolencya1651
indisposedness1651
shyness1651
nolition1653
costiveness1654
sullenness1659
scrupling1665
regret1667
queerness1687
stickiness1689
disinclination1695
uneasinessa1715
tarditude1794
disclination1812
inalacrity1813
grudgingness1820
tarrowing1832
reticence1863
grudgery1889
balkiness1894
safety first1913
1665 G. Wither Medit. upon Lords Prayer 127 Therefore the scrupling at this conditional Petition is causless.
1818 W. Scott Heart of Mid-Lothian viii, in Tales of my Landlord 2nd Ser. II. 209 It's..hard, that when three words of your mouth would give the girl the chance,..that you mak sure scrupling about rapping to them.
ˈscrupling adj.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > [adjective]
orrathc1175
unsicker?c1225
doubtousc1374
doubtive1393
unsurec1412
uncertained1470
doubtful1509
unassured1528
scriple?a1534
unpersuadeda1535
uncertainc1540
scrupulous1559
unsatisfied1575
unresolved1587
incertaina1616
dubious1632
scrupling1641
hesitant1647
insecure1649
hesitatious1657
uncleara1658
groping1691
doubting1715
dubitative1728
gingerish1764
vague1806
duberous1818
dubitant1821
undecided1828
inconclusive1836
foreheadless1844
titubant1880
convictionless1882
swithering1917
1641 ‘Smectymnuus’ Vindic. Answer Hvmble Remonstr. ii. 36 Unable to give solid satisfaction to a scrupling conscience.
1894 Athenæum 24 Nov. 708/3 [He] scorned the constraint which prevents a scrupling dullard from describing what he never saw.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1911; most recently modified version published online June 2021).
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