The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Excoriate \Ex*co"ri*ate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Excoriated; p.
   pr. & vb. n. excoriating.] [L. excoriare; ex out + corium
   hide. cf. Scourge; see Cuirass.]
   To strip or wear off the skin of; to abrade; to gall; to
   break and remove the cuticle of, in any manner, as by
   rubbing, beating, or by the action of acrid substances.
   [1913 Webster]