qualm



From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:


Qualm \Qualm\, n. [AS. cwealm death, slaughter, pestilence, akin
   to OS. & OHG. qualm. See Quail to cower.]
   1. Sickness; disease; pestilence; death. [Obs.]
      [1913 Webster]

            thousand slain and not of qualm ystorve [dead].
                                                  --Chaucer.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. A sudden attack of illness, faintness, or pain; an agony.
      " Qualms of heartsick agony." --Milton.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. Especially, a sudden sensation of nausea.
      [1913 Webster]

            For who, without a qualm, hath ever looked
            On holy garbage, though by Homer cooked?
                                                  --Roscommon.
      [1913 Webster]

   4. A prick or scruple of conscience; uneasiness of
      conscience; compunction. --Dryden.
      [1913 Webster]














Feedback Form