WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Scourge
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [F. escourg?e, fr. L. excoriata (sc. scutica) a stripped off (lash or whip), fr. excoriate to strip, to skin. See Excoriate.]
Definition : 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 Unabridged Dictionary, 1913

Pronunciation : Scourge
Part of Speech : v.
Etymology : [From Scourge, n.: cf. OF. escorgier.]
Definition : 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.

t. [imp. & p. p. Scourged; p. pr. & vb. n. Scourging.]
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913