scruple
noun
a moral or ethical consideration or standard that acts as a restraining force or inhibits certain actions.
have scrupled
-
present perfectof scruple.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Ransom was in the Southern army, fighting no doubt his best, and mamma would not have scrupled to use his money; but Dr. Sandford scrupled to send it without authority.
From Daisy in the Field by Susan Warner
Father Eustace was a clever man, and an ambitious—for himself and his Church, and would have scrupled at little for the good of either.
From A Search For A Secret (Vol 3 of 3) A Novel by G. A. (George Alfred) Henty
They were my all in the world; but had they been as many millions, I would not have scrupled to risk them at such a moment.
From Sir Jasper Carew His Life and Experience by Charles James Lever
And while some would not have scrupled to strike the blood royal, more would have been quick to protect and avenge it.
From Count Hannibal A Romance of the Court of France by Stanley John Weyman
His duty, however, once fulfilled, and a vessel at hand, Clubin assuredly would not have scrupled to avail himself of its aid.
From Toilers of the Sea by Victor Hugo
