Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PLAGUE, v.t. [plāg; Sp. plagar; W. placaw; It. piagare; G. plagen; Dan. plager; Sw. plåga; from the noun.]

1. To infest with disease, calamity or natural evil of any kind. Thus were they plagued / And worn with famine. – Milton.
2. To vex; to tease; to harass; to trouble; to embarrass; a very general and indefinite signification. If her nature be so, / Then she will plague the man that loves her most. – Spenser.