Scrupulum

{{short description|Roman unit of mass}}

{{lang|la|Scrupulum}}, meaning a tiny stone (from {{lang|la|scrupus}} sharp stone), indicates a weight of {{frac|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, {{frac|24}} of an {{lang|la|uncia}}, or {{frac|288}} of an as; i.e. 1.14 gramsCIC. Att. 4, 16, 13; VITR. 7, 8; COL. 12, 28, 1.
• As a measure of land, {{frac|288}} of a {{lang|la|jugerum}}; i.e. about {{cvt|9|m2}}VARR. R. 1, 10, 2; COL. 5, 1, 8
• As a measure of time, {{frac|24}} part of an hour, or {{frac|2|1|2}} minutes.M. AUREL. d.; FRONT. Caes. 2, 9

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