compunctionn.[OF. compunction, F. componction, L. compunctio, fr. compungere, compunctum, to prick; com- + pungere to prick, sting. See Pungent.]1. A pricking; stimulation.()That acid and piercing spirit which, with such activity and compunction, invadeth the brains and nostrils. (Sir T. Browne.)2. A picking of heart; poignant grief proceeding from a sense of guilt or consciousness of causing pain; the sting of conscience.()He acknowledged his disloyalty to the king, with expressions of great compunction. (Clarendon.)()