I. ˈskərj also ˈskōrj, ˈskȯrj, ˈsku̇rj noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French escorge, from escorger to whip, from Vulgar Latin * excorrigiare, from Latin ex- + corrigia thong, whip
Date: 13th century
1. : whip ; especially : one used to inflict pain or punishment
2. : an instrument of punishment or criticism
3. : a cause of wide or great affliction
II. transitive verb
( scourged ; scourg·ing )
Date: 14th century
1. : flog , whip
2.
a. : to punish severely
b. : afflict
c. : to drive as if by blows of a whip
d. : chastise
• scourg·er noun