Conscience

kon′shens, n. the knowledge of our own acts and feelings as right or wrong: sense of duty: scrupulousne : ( Shak. ) understanding: the faculty or principle by which we distinguish right from wrong.— adjs. Con′science-proof , unvisited by any compunctions of conscience; Con′science-smit′ten , stung by conscience; Conscien′tious , regulated by a regard to conscience: scrupulous.— adv. Conscien′tiously .— n. Conscien′tiousne .— adj. Con′scion able , governed or regulated by conscience.— n. Con′scion able ne .— adv. Con′scionably .— Conscience clause , a clause in a law, affecting religious matters, to relieve persons of conscientious scruples, esp. one to prevent their children being compelled to undergo particular religious instruction; Conscience money , money given to relieve the conscience, by discharging a claim previously evaded; Case of conscience , a question in casuistry.— Good , or Bad , conscience , an approving or reproving conscience.— In all conscience , certainly: ( coll. ) by all that is right and fair.— Make a matter of conscience , to act according to conscience: to have scruples about.— My conscience! a vulgar exclamation of astonishment, or an a everation.— Speak one's conscience ( Shak. ), to speak frankly: to give one's opinion. [Fr.,—L. conscient i a , knowledge— conscīre , to know well— con , and scīre , to know.]