Qualm (?), n. [AS. cwealm death, slaughter, pestilence, akin to OS. & OHG. qualm. See Quail to cower.] 1. Sickness; disease; pestilence; death.
thousand slain and not of qualm ystorve. Chaucer.
2. A sudden attack of illness, faintness, or pain; an agony. “ Qualms of heartsick agony.” Milton.
3. Especially, a sudden sensation of nausea.
For who, without a qualm, hath ever looked
On holy garbage, though by Homer cooked? Roscommon.
4. A prick or scruple of conscience; uneasiness of conscience; compunction. Dryden.