From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Surcharge \Sur*charge"\, 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.]
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.]