Scrupulum
Roman unit of mass
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
- As a measure of land, 1⁄288 of a jugerum; i.e. about 9 m2 (97 sq ft)
- As a measure of time, 1⁄24 part of an hour, or 2+1⁄2 minutes.
The forms scripulum, scriptulum, scriplus and scriptulus can be found, scriptulum being also associated with the lines on a draughtboard.
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