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.
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.