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. ]

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. ]

n. The act of surcharging; also, surcharge, surplus. [ Obs. ] Daniel. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who surcharges. [ 1913 Webster ]