Part 144

Scru"pler (?), n. One who scruples.

Scru"pu*list (?), n. A scrupler. [Obs.]

Scru"pu*lize (?), v. t. To perplex with scruples; to regard with scruples. [Obs.] Bp. Montagu.

Scru`pu*los"i*ty (skr`p*ls"*t), n. [L. scrupulositas.] The quality or state of being scrupulous; doubt; doubtfulness respecting decision or action; caution or tenderness from the fear of doing wrong or offending; nice regard to exactness and propriety; precision.

The first sacrilege is looked on with horror; but when they have made the breach, their scrupulosity soon retires.

Dr. H. More.

Careful, even to scrupulosity, . . . to keep their Sabbath.

South.

Scru"pu*lous (?), 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.

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 obscure, not scrupulous.

Bacon.

Syn. -- Cautious; careful; conscientious; hesitating.

-- Scru"pu*lous*ly, adv. -- Scru"pu*lous*ness, n.

Scru"ta*ble (?), a. Discoverable by scrutiny, inquiry, or critical examination. [R.] Dr. H. More.

Scru*ta"tion (?), n. [L. scrutatio.] Search; scrutiny. [Obs.]

||Scru*ta"tor (?), n. [L.] One who scrutinizes; a close examiner or ||inquirer. Ayliffe.

Scru`ti*neer (?), n. A scrutinizer; specifically, an examiner of votes, as at an election.

Scru"ti*nize (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Scrutinized (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Scrutinizing (?).] [From Scrutiny.] To examine closely; to inspect or observe with critical attention; to regard narrowly; as, to scrutinize the measures of administration; to scrutinize the conduct or motives of individuals.

Whose votes they were obliged to scrutinize.

Ayliffe.

Those pronounced him youngest who scrutinized his face the closest.