Definitions for: Surcharge


[n] an additional charge (as for items previously omitted or as a penalty for failure to exercise common caution or common skill)
[v] show an omission in (an account) for which credit ought to have been given
[v] place too much a load on
[v] fill to an excessive degree; "The air was surcharged with tension"
[v] print a new denomination on a stamp or a banknote
[v] fill to capacity with people; "The air raids had surcharged the emergency wards"
[v] rip off; ask an unreasonable price
[v] charge an extra fee, as for a special service



Webster (1913) Definition: 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.

Synonyms: fleece, gazump, hook, overcharge, overcharge, overload, pluck, plume, rob, soak

Antonyms: undercharge

See Also: beat, bill, charge, charge, cheat, chisel, extort, fill, fill up, gouge, load, make full, overcrowd, overprint, print over, rack, rip off, show, single supplement, wring

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