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n. 1. A source of widespread dreadful affliction and devastation such as that caused by pestilence or war. 2. A means of inflicting severe suffering, vengeance, or punishment. 3. A small whip used to inflict punishment. tr.v. scourged, scourg·ing, scourg·es 1. To afflict with severe or widespread suffering and devastation; ravage. 2. To chastise severely; excoriate. 3. To flog. [Middle English, from Anglo-Norman escorge, from Old French escorgier, to whip, from Vulgar Latin *excorrigiāre : Latin ex-, intensive pref.; see EX- + Latin corrigia, thong (probably of Celtic origin).] scourger n. |
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