Scourge \Scourge\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Scourged; p. pr. & vb. n. Scourging.]

[From Scourge, n.: cf. OF. escorgier.]

1. To whip severely; to lash.

Is it lawful for you to scourge a . . . Roman? --Acts xxii. 25.

2. To punish with severity; to chastise; to afflict, as for sins or faults, and with the purpose of correction.

Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. --Heb. xii. 6.

3. To harass or afflict severely.

To scourge and impoverish the people. --Brougham.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Scourge \Scourge\, n. [F. escourg['e]e, fr. L. excoriata (sc. scutica) a stripped off (lash or whip), fr. excoriare to strip, to skin. See Excoriate.]

1. A lash; a strap or cord; especially, a lash used to inflict pain or punishment; an instrument of punishment or discipline; a whip.

Up to coach then goes The observed maid, takes both the scourge and reins. --Chapman.

2. Hence, a means of inflicting punishment, vengeance, or suffering; an infliction of affliction; a punishment.

Sharp scourges of adversity. --Chaucer.

What scourge for perjury Can this dark monarchy afford false Clarence? --Shak.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)