a. [ L. scrupulosus: cf. F. scrupuleux. ] 1. Full of scruples; inclined to scruple; nicely doubtful; hesitating to determine or to act, from a fear of offending or of doing wrong. [ 1913 Webster ] Abusing their liberty, to the offense of their weak brethren which were scrupulous. Hooker. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Careful; cautious; exact; nice; as, scrupulous abstinence from labor; scrupulous performance of duties. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Given to making objections; captious. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ] Equality of two domestic powers
Breed scrupulous faction. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. Liable to be doubted; doubtful; nice. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ] The justice of that cause ought to be evident; not obscure, not scrupulous. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ] Syn. -- Cautious; careful; conscientious; hesitating. [ 1913 Webster ] -- Scru"pu*lous*ly, adv. -- Scru"pu*lous*ness, n. [ 1913 Webster ] | 
