Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Scourge \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.