In those days of highwaymen and scourers.
Macaulay.
Scourge (?), n. [F. escourgée, fr. L. excoriata (sc. scutica) a
stripped off (lash or whip), fr. excoriare to strip, to skin. See
Excoriate.] 1. A lash; a strap or cord; especially, a lash used to
inflict pain or punishment; an instrument of punishment or discipline;
a whip.
Up to coach then goes The observed maid, takes both the scourge and
reins.
Chapman.
2. Hence, a means of inflicting punishment, vengeance, or suffering; an
infliction of affliction; a punishment.
Sharp scourges of adversity.
Chaucer.
What scourge for perjury Can this dark monarchy afford false
Clarence?
Shak.
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.