from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Scathe \Scathe\ (sk[=a][th]; 277), Scath \Scath\ (sk[a^]th;
277), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Scathed} (sk[=a][th]d or
sk[a^]tht); p. pr. & vb. n. {Scathing} (sk[=a][th]"[i^]ng or
sk[a^]th"-).] [Icel. ska[eth]a; akin to AS. scea[eth]an,
sce[eth][eth]an, Dan. skade, Sw. skada, D. & G. schaden, OHG.
scad[=o]n, Goth. ska[thorn]jan.]
To do harm to; to injure; to damage; to waste; to destroy.
[1913 Webster]
As when heaven's fire
Hath scathed the forest oaks or mountain pines.
--Milton.
[1913 Webster]
Strokes of calamity that scathe and scorch the soul.
--W. Irving.
[1913 Webster]