Emily Dickinson Lexicon
Definition for SCRU-PU-LOS'I-TY
SCRU-PU-LOS'I-TY, n. [L. scrupulositas.]
- The quality or state of being scrupulous; doubt; doubtfulness respecting some difficult point, or proceeding from the difficulty or delicacy of determining how to act; hence, the caution or tenderness arising from the fear of doing wrong or offending. The first sacrilege is looked upon with some horror; but when they have once made the breach, their scrupulosity soon retires. – Decay of Piety.
- Nicety of doubt; or nice regard to exactness and propriety. So careful, even to scrupulosity, were they to keep their sabbath. – South.
- Niceness; preciseness. – Johnson.
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