Using `\scalebox` within drop cap

Question

I am using lettrine for creating drop caps.

If a use the \scalebox-command within the first argument of \lettrine an error occurs. Here is a minimal example:

\documentclass{minimal}

\usepackage{lettrine}
\usepackage{graphicx}

\begin{document}
\lettrine{A}{} This is a simple test. This is a simple test. This is a 
simple test. This is a simple test. This is a simple test. This is a 
simple test. This is a simple test. This is a simple test. This is a 
simple test. This is a simple test.

A\scalebox{.5}{A}

\lettrine{A\scalebox{.5}{A}}{} This is a simple test. This is a simple 
test. This is a simple test. This is a simple test. This is a simple 
test. This is a simple test. This is a simple test. This is a simple 
test. This is a simple test. This is a simple test.
\end{document}

I had no problem before, when Is used TeXLive 2017. Now with TeXLive 2018 the error occurs.

I use lettrine 2018-08-28 v2.21

Answer 1

Just protect \scalebox:

\documentclass{minimal}

\usepackage{lettrine}
\usepackage{graphicx}

\begin{document}

\lettrine[nindent=0.33em]{A}{} This is a simple test. This is a simple test. This is a
simple test. This is a simple test. This is a simple test. This is a
simple test. This is a simple test. This is a simple test. This is a
simple test. This is a simple test.

A\scalebox{.5}{A}\medskip

\lettrine[nindent=0.33em]{A\protect\scalebox{.5}{A}}{This} is a simple test. This is a simple
test. This is a simple test. This is a simple test. This is a simple
test. This is a simple test. This is a simple test. This is a simple
test. This is a simple test. This is a simple test.

\end{document}