compunctt (kompungkt)

[=It.compunto, IMG:content-0955.png:[blocks in formation] compurgatory * compunctedt (kom-pungk'ted), a. [ = = compunzione, compunctio( n- ), compungere, pp. compunctus, prick, sting: see compunct.] 1. A pricking; stimulation; irritation. This is that acid and piercing spirit which with such activity and compunction invadeth the brains and nostrils. Sir T. Browne , Vulg. Err. 2. The stinging or pricking of the conscience; uneasine caused by tenderne of conscience or feelings; ngs; regret, as for wrong-doing or for giving pain to another; contrition; remorse. He acknowledged his disloyalty to the king with expre ions of great compunction. Clarendon. It is a work of much le difficulty to make a good Christian of a profe ed heathen, than to bring an ill Christian, who now lives like an heathen, to a feeling sense of his sins, and to any degree of true remorse and com punction of heart for them. Bp. Atterbury , Sermons, II. xvii. Compunction weeps our guilt away, The sinner's safety is his pain. IMG:content-0956.png:[blocks in formation] Stop up the acce and pa age to remorse; That no compunctious visitings of nature Shake my fell purpose. Shak ., Macbeth, i. 5.