Dictionary definitions
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surcharge
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Surcharge \Sur*charge"\, n. [F.]
1. An overcharge; an excessive load or burden; a load greater
than can well be borne.
[1913 Webster]
A numerous nobility causeth poverty and
inconvenience in a state, for it is surcharge of
expense. --Bacon.
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]
3. (Railroads) A charge over the usual or legal rates.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]
4. 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 Suppl.]
.
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Surcharge \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. [1913 Webster] Four charged two, and two surcharged one. --Spenser. [1913 Webster] Your head reclined, as hiding grief from view, Droops like a rose surcharged with morning dew. --Dryden. [1913 Webster] 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. [1913 Webster] 3. To print or write a surcharge on (a postage stamp). [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
