scruple scruple /ˈskruːpəl/

noun

1. An ethical or moral principle that inhibits action  ( scruple )
   an ethical or moral principle that inhibits action
   
2. Uneasiness about the fitness of an action  ( scruple , qualm , misgiving )
   uneasiness about the fitness of an action
     Despite his success, he couldn't shake off the nagging misgiving that something was missing.
   Despite his success, he couldn't shake off the nagging misgiving that something was missing.
   
3. A unit of apothecary weight equal to 20 grains  ( scruple )
   a unit of apothecary weight equal to 20 grains
   

verb

1. Have doubts about  ( scruple )
   have doubts about
   
2. Raise scruples  ( scruple )
   raise scruples
    He lied and did not even scruple about it
   He lied and did not even scruple about it
   
3. Hesitate on moral grounds  ( scruple )
   hesitate on moral grounds
    The man scrupled to perjure himself
   The man scrupled to perjure himself