Scrupulum Explained

Latin: Scrupulum, meaning a tiny stone (from Latin: scrupus sharp stone), indicates a weight of of a Roman ounce (i.e.) or, by extension, of other measures. Metaphorically, the stone is thought to be sharp and pricking, like a thorn.

• As a weight or a coin, of an Latin: [[uncia (coin)|uncia]], or of an as; i.e. 1.14 grams^[1]
• As a measure of land, of a Latin: [[jugerum]]; i.e. about ^[2]
• As a measure of time, part of an hour, or minutes.^[3]

The forms Latin: scripulum, Latin: scriptulum, Latin: scriplus and Latin: scriptulus can be found, Latin: scriptulum being also associated with the lines on a draughtboard.

See also

• Roman currency

References

French: Félix Gaffiot: Dictionnaire Illustré Latin Français, Hachette 1934

Notes and References

1. CIC. Att. 4, 16, 13; VITR. 7, 8; COL. 12, 28, 1.
2. VARR. R. 1, 10, 2; COL. 5, 1, 8
3. M. AUREL. d.; FRONT. Caes. 2, 9