supererogate Meaning, Definition & Usage

Su`per*er"o*gate intransitive verb

Etymology

L. supererogatus, p.p. of supererogare to spend or pay out over and above; super over, above + erogare to expend or pay out money from the public treasury after asking the consent of the people. See Super-, and Erogate, Rogation.

Wordforms

imperfect & past participle Supererogated ; present participle & verbal noun Supererogating

Definitions

1. To do more than duty requires; to perform works of supererogation; to atone (for a dificiency in another) by means of a surplus action or quality.

   The fervency of one man in prayer can not supererogate for the coldness of another. Milton.