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Conscience

Conscience Con"science, n. [F. conscience, fr. L. conscientia, fr. consciens, p. pr. of conscire to know, to be conscious; con- + scire to know. See Science.] 1. Knowledge of one s own thoughts or actions; consciousness. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

The sweetest cordial we receive, at last, Is conscience of our virtuous actions past. --Denham. [1913 Webster]

2. The faculty, power, or inward principle which decides as to the character of one s own actions, purposes, and affections, warning against and condemning that which is wrong, and approving and prompting to that which is right; the moral faculty passing judgment on one s self; the moral sense. [1913 Webster]

My conscience hath a thousand several tongues, And every tongue brings in a several tale, And every tale condemns me for a villain. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

As science means knowledge, conscience etymologically means self-knowledge . . . But the English word implies a moral standard of action in the mind as well as a consciousness of our own actions. . . . Conscience is the reason, employed about questions of right and wrong, and accompanied with the sentiments of approbation and condemnation. --Whewell. [1913 Webster]

3. The estimate or determination of conscience; conviction or right or duty. [1913 Webster]

Conscience supposes the existence of some such [i.e., moral] faculty, and properly signifies our consciousness of having acted agreeably or contrary to its directions. --Adam Smith. [1913 Webster]

4. Tenderness of feeling; pity. [Obs.] --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]

{Conscience clause}, a clause in a general law exempting persons whose religious scruples forbid compliance therewith, -- as from taking judicial oaths, rendering military service, etc.

{Conscience money}, stolen or wrongfully acquired money that is voluntarily restored to the rightful possessor. Such money paid into the United States treasury by unknown debtors is called the Conscience fund.

{Court of Conscience}, a court established for the recovery of small debts, in London and other trading cities and districts. [Eng.] --Blackstone.

{In conscience}, {In all conscience}, in deference or obedience to conscience or reason; in reason; reasonably. ``This is enough in conscience. --Howell. ``Half a dozen fools are, in all conscience, as many as you should require. --Swift.

{To make conscience of}, {To make a matter of conscience}, to act according to the dictates of conscience concerning (any matter), or to scruple to act contrary to its dictates. [1913 Webster]