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.
© Webster 1913.