Scourge, v. t. [imp. & p. p.Scourged (?); p. pr. & vb. n.Scourging (?).] [From Scourge, n.: cf. OF. escorgier.] 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.