SCRUPLE  , a

term used in the two senses of (1) perplexity, doubt, reluctance or hesitation, especially the moral doubt arising from the difficulties of conscience; (2) a unit of weight, - part of the ounce in apothecaries' weight, of a dram, 20 grains (5.295 grammes) . The word is an adaptation of Fr. scrupule, Lat. scrupulus, scrupulum, primarily a small sharp stone, also used in both the English meanings, dim. of scrupits, a rough stone, figuratively uneasiness of mind, probably to be connected with the root skar, to cut, cf . Gr. o &pop, stonechippings, ?-vpbv, a razor .