Surge

Surge (?), n. [L. surgere, surrectum, to raise, to rise; sub under + regere to direct: cf. OF. surgeon, sourgeon, fountain. See Regent, and cf. Insurrection, Sortie, Source.] 1. A spring; a fountain. [Obs.] "Divers surges and springs of water." Ld. Berners.

2. A large wave or billow; a great, rolling swell of water, produced generally by a high wind.

He that doubteth is like the surge of the sea driven by the wind and tossed.
James i. 6 (Rev. Ver.)

He flies aloft, and, with impetuous roar,
Pursues the foaming surges to the shore.
Dryden.

3. The motion of, or produced by, a great wave.

4. The tapered part of a windlass barrel or a capstan, upon which the cable surges, or slips.

Surge, v. i. 1. To swell; to rise hifg and roll.

The surging waters like a mountain rise.
Spenser.

2. (Naut.) To slip along a windlass.

Surge, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Surged (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Surging (?).] [Cf. F. surgir to cast anchor, to land. Cf. Surge, n.] (Naut.) To let go or slacken suddenly, as a rope; as, to surge a hawser or messenger; also, to slacken the rope about (a capstan).