compunctious

[ kuh m-puhngk-shuh s ]

/ kəmˈpʌŋk ʃəs /

causing or feeling compunction; regretful.

Origin of compunctious

First recorded in 1595–1605; compunct(ion) + -ious

com·punc·tious·ly, adverb

At length a compunctious vision shoots across the mind of the truant composer.

Great Musical Composers |George T. Ferris
First, he pointed one ear and turned his head with sly, compunctious timidity, as if ashamed to enjoy his own triumph.

The Gold Brick |Ann S. Stephens
Catharine, inured to treachery and hardened in vice, was apparently a stranger to all compunctious visitings.

Henry IV, Makers of History |John S. C. Abbott
A reaction of compunctious loyalty made my very heartstrings ache.

A Positive Romance |Edward Bellamy

It will permit no compunctious visitings of nature to shake its fell purpose.

The Secret Service. |Albert D. Richardson