[sur.ro.gate] vt -gat.ed ; -gat.ing [L surrogatus, pp. of surrogare to choose in place of another, substitute, fr. sub- + rogare to ask--more at right] (1533): to put in the place of another: a: to appoint as successor, deputy, or substitute for oneself b: substitute
[2]sur.ro.gate n, often attrib (1603) 1 a: one appointed to act in place of another: deputy b: a local judicial officer in some states (as New York) who has jurisdiction over the probate of wills, the settlement of estates, and the appointment and supervision of guardians
2: one that serves as a substitute
3: surrogate mother