scruple

Noun

• an ethical or moral principle that inhibits action

• uneasiness about the fitness of an action

• a unit of apothecary weight equal to 20 grains

Verb

• have doubts about

• raise scruples
  • He lied and did not even scruple about it
    

• hesitate on moral grounds
  • The man scrupled to perjure himself
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  qualm , misgiving