I. ˈsər-ˌchärj transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French surcharger, from sur- + charger to load, charge — more at charge
Date: 15th century
1.
a. : overcharge
b. : to charge an extra fee
c. : to show an omission in (an account) for which credit ought to have been given
2. British : overstock
3. : to fill or load to excess
the atmosphere…was surcharged with war hysteria — H. A. Chippendale
4.
a. : to mark a surcharge on (a stamp)
b. : overprint
surcharge a banknote
II. noun
Date: 15th century
1.
a. : an additional tax, cost, or impost
b. : an extra fare
a sleeping car surcharge
c. : an instance of surcharging an account
2. : an excessive load or burden
3. : the action of surcharging : the state of being surcharged
4.
a.
(1) : an overprint on a stamp ; specifically : one that alters the denomination
(2) : a stamp bearing such an overprint
b. : an overprint on a currency note