Scourge — Defs

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

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.

02 v. t. To whip severely; to lash.

imp. & p. p. Scourged; p. pr. & vb. n. Scourging

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.