Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Surcharge?

\Sur*charge"\, v. t. To print or write a surcharge on (a postage stamp).
\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.
\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.
\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.