a. (erron. -uous). [f. stem of compunction + -OUS: cf. factious. App. taken up in modern use from Shaks.]
1. Of the nature of, characterized by, or expressing compunction; remorseful.
1605. Shaks., Macb., I. v. 46. Stop vp th’accesse, and passage to Remorse, That no compunctious visitings of Nature Shake my fell purpose.
1781. J. Moore, View Soc. It. (1790), I. xiv. 157. Every compunctious feeling of the heart is sacrificed.
1815. Southey, Roderick, II. 178. Nor wrung his heart With such compunctious visitings.
1816. F. H. Naylor, Hist. Germ., I. I. vii. 244. Unrestrained by the compunctuous feelings of pity.
1865. Carlyle, Fredk. Gt., X. XXI. iv. 34. Friedrich has none of these compunctious visitings.
1886. Hall Caine, Son of Hagar, I. iii. Such compunctious qualms.
2. Having or feeling compunction.
1816. Keatinge, Trav., I. 246. If … he be compunctious as to life, the like cannot be … said … in regard to property.
1880. Mrs. Oliphant, He that will not, III. 180. Spears had been deeply compunctious for the part he had taken.
Hence Compunctiously adv.
1863. Not an Angel, II. 242. Compunctiously remarking that the dear child did look very pale.
1887. Old Man’s Favour, II. III. viii. 282. Stung compunctiously at the pathos of the baby’s position.
