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. “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.