\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].
                                               --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.