noun

1. a whip or other instrument for flogging
2. any means of inflicting severe punishment, suffering, or vengeance
3. any cause of serious trouble or affliction the scourge of war

Etymology: ME < OFr escorgie < L ex, off, from + corrigia, a strap, whip

transitive verb scourged, scourging scourg′·ing

1. to whip or flog
2. to punish, chastise, or afflict severely