Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SQUEAM-ISH, a. [probably from the root of wamble.]

Literally, having a stomach that is easily turned, or that readily nauseates any thing; hence, nice to excess in taste; fastidious; easily disgusted; apt to be offended at trifling improprieties; scrupulous. Quoth he, that honor's very squeamish / That takes a basting for a blemish. – Hudibras. His muse is rustic, and perhaps too plain / The men of squeamish taste to entertain. – Southern.