To make a matter of conscience

To make a matter of conscience
Conscience Con"science, n. [F. conscience, fr. L. conscientia, fr. consciens, p. pr. of conscire to know, to be conscious; con- + scire to know. See {Science}.] 1. Knowledge of one's own thoughts or actions; consciousness. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

The sweetest cordial we receive, at last, Is conscience of our virtuous actions past. --Denham. [1913 Webster]

2. The faculty, power, or inward principle which decides as to the character of one's own actions, purposes, and affections, warning against and condemning that which is wrong, and approving and prompting to that which is right; the moral faculty passing judgment on one's self; the moral sense. [1913 Webster]

My conscience hath a thousand several tongues, And every tongue brings in a several tale, And every tale condemns me for a villain. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

As science means knowledge, conscience etymologically means self-knowledge . . . But the English word implies a moral standard of action in the mind as well as a consciousness of our own actions. . . . Conscience is the reason, employed about questions of right and wrong, and accompanied with the sentiments of approbation and condemnation. --Whewell. [1913 Webster]

3. The estimate or determination of conscience; conviction or right or duty. [1913 Webster]

Conscience supposes the existence of some such [i.e., moral] faculty, and properly signifies our consciousness of having acted agreeably or contrary to its directions. --Adam Smith. [1913 Webster]

4. Tenderness of feeling; pity. [Obs.] --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]

{Conscience clause}, a clause in a general law exempting persons whose religious scruples forbid compliance therewith, -- as from taking judicial oaths, rendering military service, etc.

{Conscience money}, stolen or wrongfully acquired money that is voluntarily restored to the rightful possessor. Such money paid into the United States treasury by unknown debtors is called the Conscience fund.

{Court of Conscience}, a court established for the recovery of small debts, in London and other trading cities and districts. [Eng.] --Blackstone.

{In conscience}, {In all conscience}, in deference or obedience to conscience or reason; in reason; reasonably. ``This is enough in conscience.'' --Howell. ``Half a dozen fools are, in all conscience, as many as you should require.'' --Swift.

{To make conscience of}, {To make a matter of conscience}, to act according to the dictates of conscience concerning (any matter), or to scruple to act contrary to its dictates. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • make a matter of conscience — To have scruples about • • • Main Entry: ↑conscience …   Useful english dictionary

  • Conscience — Con science, n. [F. conscience, fr. L. conscientia, fr. consciens, p. pr. of conscire to know, to be conscious; con + scire to know. See {Science}.] 1. Knowledge of one s own thoughts or actions; consciousness. [Obs.] [1913 Webster] The sweetest… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Conscience clause — Conscience Con science, n. [F. conscience, fr. L. conscientia, fr. consciens, p. pr. of conscire to know, to be conscious; con + scire to know. See {Science}.] 1. Knowledge of one s own thoughts or actions; consciousness. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Conscience money — Conscience Con science, n. [F. conscience, fr. L. conscientia, fr. consciens, p. pr. of conscire to know, to be conscious; con + scire to know. See {Science}.] 1. Knowledge of one s own thoughts or actions; consciousness. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • To make conscience of — Conscience Con science, n. [F. conscience, fr. L. conscientia, fr. consciens, p. pr. of conscire to know, to be conscious; con + scire to know. See {Science}.] 1. Knowledge of one s own thoughts or actions; consciousness. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • conscience — noun (C, U) 1 MIND the part of your mind that tells you whether what you are doing is morally right or wrong: Be guided by your conscience. | a social conscience (=a moral sense of how society should be) | a guilty/bad conscience (=feel guilty… …   Longman dictionary of contemporary English

  • Court of Conscience — Conscience Con science, n. [F. conscience, fr. L. conscientia, fr. consciens, p. pr. of conscire to know, to be conscious; con + scire to know. See {Science}.] 1. Knowledge of one s own thoughts or actions; consciousness. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • In all conscience — Conscience Con science, n. [F. conscience, fr. L. conscientia, fr. consciens, p. pr. of conscire to know, to be conscious; con + scire to know. See {Science}.] 1. Knowledge of one s own thoughts or actions; consciousness. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • In conscience — Conscience Con science, n. [F. conscience, fr. L. conscientia, fr. consciens, p. pr. of conscire to know, to be conscious; con + scire to know. See {Science}.] 1. Knowledge of one s own thoughts or actions; consciousness. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • conscience — noun ADJECTIVE ▪ clean (esp. AmE), clear, easy, good ▪ How can you do your job with a clean conscience? ▪ I have a clear conscience. ▪ …   Collocations dictionary

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