5 uses
(click/touch triangles for details)
Definition
ethical or moral principles that discourage certain kinds of action
- Either the Cardinal, Or some about him near, have, out of malice To the good Queen, possess'd him with a scruple That will undo her.2.1 — Act 2 Scene 1 — Westminster. A street (93% in)
- Your Grace has given a precedent of wisdom Above all princes, in committing freely Your scruple to the voice of Christendom.2.2 — Act 2 Scene 2 — An ante-chamber in the palace (62% in)
- ...That it shall please you to declare, in hearing Of all these ears,—for, where I am robb'd and bound, There must I be unloos'd, although not there At once and fully satisfied,—whether ever I Did broach this business to your Highness, or Laid any scruple in your way, which might Induce you to the question on't? or ever Have to you, but with thanks to God for such A royal lady, spake one the least word that might Be to the prejudice of her present state, Or touch of her good person?2.4 — Act 2 Scene 4 — A hall in Black-Friars (66% in)
- Thus it came; give heed to't: My conscience first receiv'd a tenderness, Scruple, and prick, on certain speeches utter'd By the Bishop of Bayonne, then French ambassador; Who had been hither sent on the debating A marriage 'twixt the Duke of Orleans and Our daughter Mary.2.4 — Act 2 Scene 4 — A hall in Black-Friars (73% in)
- The Archbishop Of Canterbury, accompanied with other Learned and reverend fathers of his order, Held a late court at Dunstable, six miles off From Ampthill where the Princess lay; to which She was often cited by them, but appear'd not; And, to be short, for not appearance and The King's late scruple, by the main assent Of all these learned men she was divorc'd, And the late marriage made of none effect; Since which she was remov'd to Kimbolton, Where she remains now sick.4.1 — Act 4 Scene 1 — A street in Westminster (22% in)
There are no more uses of "scruples" in Henry VIII.
Typical Usage
(best examples)