[f. SURGE v. + -ING1.] The action of the verb SURGE.
1. Rising, swelling or rolling of great waves; impetuous movement of the sea or any body of water; also transf. and fig. (see SURGE v. 3 b, c).
1585. T. Washington, trans. Nicholay’s Voy., I. iv. 3 b. Thinges cast vp by the sourging of the Sea.
1594. Blundevil, Exerc., VII. xxxi. (1636), 702. Driven by force of contrary Winds, by surging of the Sea, or by overthwart Tides.
1853. Kane, Grinnell Exp., xxii. (1856), 172. The masses … by the surging of the sea have been rubbed as round as pebbles.
1853. Sir H. Douglas, Milit. Bridges, 257. Surgings of the water, by which waves are thrown over the sides of the vessel.
1883. Law Times, 20 Oct., 410/2. The surging up of those Teutonic instincts of freedom.
2. Naut. The action of suddenly slackening a rope or chain wound round a capstan, etc. Also attrib., as surging-drum.
1839. Civil Engin. & Arch. Jrnl., II. 158/1. An Improved Capstan and Winch for Purchasing … Ship’s Anchors, without the application of a Messenger, in which there is no Fleeting or Surging.
1886. J. M. Caulfeild, Seamanship Notes, 4. Seeing enough cable up for surging to the cat.
1902. A. Alcock, Nat. in Indian Seas, 52. The dredge was slowly hauled in, the rope being reeled over a surging-drum attached to the ship’s steam-winch.
