View source for 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 (coin)|uncia]]}}, or {{frac|288}} of an [[as (coin)|as]]; i.e. 1.14 grams<ref>CIC. Att. 4, 16, 13; VITR. 7, 8; COL. 12, 28, 1.</ref>
* As a measure of land, {{frac|288}} of a {{lang|la|[[jugerum]]}}; i.e. about {{cvt|9|m2}}<ref>VARR. R. 1, 10, 2; COL. 5, 1, 8</ref>
* As a measure of time, {{frac|24}} part of an hour, or {{frac|2|1|2}} minutes.<ref>M. AUREL. d.; FRONT. Caes. 2, 9</ref>

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.

== See also ==
* [[Roman currency]]

== References ==
{{lang|fr|Félix Gaffiot: Dictionnaire Illustré Latin Français}}, Hachette 1934
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Coins of ancient Rome]]
[[Category:Ancient Roman units of measurement]]
[[Category:Units of mass]]


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