compunctious

American  

[kuhm-puhngk-shuhs] / kəmˈpʌŋk ʃəs /

adjective

1. causing or feeling compunction; regretful.

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Other Word Forms

• compunctiously adverb

Etymology

Origin of compunctious

First recorded in 1595–1605; compunct(ion) + -ious

Example Sentences

She had also children; and as all, without exception, lived to be distinguished men and virtuous women, we may give her credit for some attention to their education,—some compunctious visitings of nature on their account.

From The Romance of Biography (Vol 1 of 2) or Memoirs of Women Loved and Celebrated by Poets, from the Days of the Troubadours to the Present Age. 3rd ed. 2 Vols. by Jameson, Mrs. (Anna)

"I am late!" she said with a compunctious glance at the clock.

From Say and Seal, Volume I by Warner, Susan

He sat and looked at her for some moments with an expression partly complacent and partly compunctious.

From Strangers at Lisconnel by Barlow, Jane

Who can look down upon the grave even of an enemy, and not feel a compunctious throb that he should ever have warred with the poor handful of earth that lies moldering before him?

From Elementary Guide to Literary Criticism by Painter, F. V. N. (Franklin Verzelius Newton)

She must have gone indoors, they concluded, and Esther began to feel very compunctious for having left her alone so long.

From The Carroll Girls by Quiller-Couch, Mabel