A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 2000 (DOST Vol. VIII).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Scrupill, Scruple, Scrouple, v. Also: screwpll. [e.m.E. scruple (1627); Scrupil(l n.] a. tr. To exhibit reluctance (in the execution of an obligation, etc.); to neglect or avoid (a duty). b. intr. To neglect or hesitate to do (something). —a. 1646 Rec. Kirk Scotl. 459.
Will he scruple it [sc. the Covenant] till the ordinance pass, the next debate will be about his negative voice in the parliament 1677 Fraser-Mackintosh Lett. Two Cent. 100.
Iff I had not some friends with me … I should have been with you but if you scrouple anything upon the accompt of my absence [etc.] 1683 New Mills Manuf. 54.
That George Home receved the ballance from James Rae and if Jo. Rae screwpll it that he give his oblidgment to get his compts examined and discharged within a prefixt tym —b. 1678 Boharm Kirk S. 27 Jan.
I hope now ye will not scruple to ratifie these acts 1699 Misc. 3. Spald. C. II 113.
The witnes needs not scrupill to come having learned to know the way to be sure to prove [etc.]
