Qualm (?), n. [AS. cwealm death, slaughter, pestilence, akin to OS. & OHG. qualm. See Quail to cower.] 1. Sickness; disease; pestilence; death. [Obs.]

thousand slain and not of qualm ystorve [dead].

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?

4. A prick or scruple of conscience; uneasiness of conscience; compunction. Dryden.

• A prick of the conscience.
  
• A certain feeling of apprehension, doubt and uneasiness
  
• A sudden queasiness.
  
• Feeling ill at ease