(Latin: scrupulus, diminutive of scrupus, a sharp stone)
To scruple, or to have a scruple, is to doubt about and to hestitate doing something on false grounds of conscience. Scruples cause a state of anxiety in those afflicted with them. They arise from excessive servile fear in some persons because they represent God as an exacting tyrant. In others, they are mere temptations of the enemy of human nature, but frequently fortified by stubbornness and obstinacy in the individual. Scruples are enemies to spiritual progress because they lead to discouragement and despondency in the practice of religion.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
Read More