Scourge (?), n. [F. escourgée, fr. L. excoriata (sc. scutica) a stripped off (lash or whip), fr. excoriare to strip, to skin. See Excoriate.] 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.