I. ˈsər-ə-ˌgāt, ˈsə-rə- transitive verb
( -gat·ed ; -gat·ing )
Etymology: Latin surrogatus, past participle of surrogare to choose in place of another, substitute, from sub- + rogare to ask — more at right
Date: 1533
: to put in the place of another:
a. : to appoint as successor, deputy, or substitute for oneself
b. : substitute
II. -ˌgāt, -gət noun
Usage: often attributive
Date: 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