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.
I should not, however, have scrupled to draw it on such an occasion as this had there been an absolute necessity for it.
From The World's Greatest Books — Volume 07 — Fiction by Arthur Mee
I am going," he said, "to tell you something which, a few years ago, I should have scrupled to tell.
From News from the Duchy by Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch
A sincere and intelligent believer might well have scrupled to give such a title to the mixed society thus claiming its application.
From The Ancient Church Its History, Doctrine, Worship, and Constitution by W. D. (William Dool) Killen
Ordinarily Julius would have scrupled to intrude upon her lonely walk.
From The History of Sir Richard Calmady A Romance by Lucas Malet
It was better to pay the cab for her, else she might have scrupled about taking one, and we should have been obliged to go home with her in a beastly tram.
From Hyacinth by George A. Birmingham
