Quälm, n.

(kwĭm) (Synop., § 130), n. [A.-S. cwealm, cwelm, cwylm, death, slaughter, pestilence, from cwellan, to slay; N. H. Ger. qualm, D. kwalм, Dan. qvalm, qualm, stupor, steam, smoke, Sw. qvalm, qvalme, a suffocating heat, sultriness, O. H. Ger. qualm, death, ruin. Cf. QUELL.]

1Sense 1. A sudden attack of illness, faintness, distress, or pain; a turn of suffering; a throe; an agony. “Qualms of heart-sick agony.” Milton.

2Sense 2. Hence, especially, a sudden fit or seizure of sickness at the stomach; a sensation of nausea; a disposition to vomit.

For who, without a qualm, hath ever looked On holy garbage, though by Homer cooked? Roscommon.

3Sense 3. Hence, a scruple of conscience; uneasiness of conscience.