scourge (n.) Look up scourge at Dictionary.com
early 13c., from Anglo-Fr. escorge, back-formation from O.Fr. escorgier "to whip," from V.L. *excorrigiare, from L. ex- "out, off" + corrigia "thong, shoelace," in this case "whip," probably from a Gaulish word related to O.Ir. cuimrech "fetter." The verb is attested from early 13c. Scourge of God, title given by later generations to Attila the Hun (406–453 C.E.), is attested from late 14c., from L. flagellum Dei.