[scourge] n [ME, fr. AF escorge, fr. (assumed) OF escorgier to whip, fr. OF es- ex- + L corrigia whip] (13c) 1: whip; esp: one used to inflict pain or punishment
2: an instrument of punishment or criticism
3: a cause of widespread or great affliction
[2]scourge vt scourged ; scourg.ing (13c) 1: flog, whip
2. a: to punish severely b: afflict c: to drive as if by blows of a whip d: chastise -- scourg.er n