from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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.
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Is it lawful for you to scourge a . . . Roman?
--Acts xxii.
25.
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2. To punish with severity; to chastise; to afflict, as for
sins or faults, and with the purpose of correction.
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Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth
every son whom he receiveth. --Heb. xii. 6.
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3. To harass or afflict severely.
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To scourge and impoverish the people. --Brougham.
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