scourge
1. scourge \'sk*rj also 'sko-(*)rj, 'sko.(*)rj\ n [ME, fr. AF escorge, fr. (assumed) OF escorgier to whip, fr. OF ]es- ex- + L corrigia whip 1: WHIP; esp : one used to inflict pain or punishment 2a: an instrument of punishment or criticism 2b: a cause of widespread or great affliction 2. scourge vt 1: to whip severely : FLOG 2a: to punish severely 2b: to subject to affliction : DEVASTATE 2c: to force as if by blows of a whip 2d: to subject to severe criticism or satire - scourg.er n