Sur*charge" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Surcharged (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Surcharging (?).] [F. surcharger. See Sur-, and Charge, and cf. Overcharge, Supercharge, Supercargo.]
1.
To overload; to overburden; to overmatch; to overcharge; as, to surcharge a beast or a ship; to surcharge a cannon.
Four charged two, and two surcharged one.
Spenser.
Your head reclined, as hiding grief from view,
Droops like a rose surcharged with morning dew.
Dryden.
2. (Law)
(a)
To overstock; especially, to put more cattle into, as a common, than the person has a right to do, or more than the herbage will sustain. Blackstone.
(b) (Equity)
To show an omission in (an account) for which credit ought to have been given. Story. Daniel.
© Webster 1913
Sur*charge", n. [F.]
1.
An overcharge; an excessive load or burden; a load greater than can well be borne.
A numerous nobility causeth poverty and inconvenience in a state, for it is surcharge of expense.
Bacon.
2. (Law)
(a)
The putting, by a commoner, of more beasts on the common than he has a right to.
(b) (Equity)
The showing an omission, as in an account, for which credit ought to have been given. Burrill.
© Webster 1913
Sur*charge", v. t.
To print or write a surcharge on (a postage stamp).
© Webster 1913
Sur*charge", n. [F.]
1. (Railroads)
A charge over the usual or legal rates.
2.
Something printed or written on a postage stamp to give it a new legal effect, as a new valuation, a place, a date, etc.; also (Colloq.), a stamp with a surcharge.
© Webster 1913