Scrupulum

Scrupulum, meaning a tiny stone (from scrupus sharp stone), indicates a weight of 1⁄24 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, 1⁄24 of an uncia, or 1⁄288 of an as; i.e. 1.14 grams[1]
  • As a measure of land, 1⁄288 of a jugerum; i.e. about 9 m2 (97 sq ft)[2]
  • As a measure of time, 1⁄24 part of an hour, or 2+1⁄2 minutes.[3]

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

See also

References

Félix Gaffiot: Dictionnaire Illustré Latin Français, Hachette 1934

  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


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