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