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.]