surplusage

[ sur-pluhs-ij ]

noun

1. something that is surplus; an excess amount.
2. an excess of words.

surplusage

/ ˈsɜːpləsɪdʒ /

noun

1. law (in pleading, etc) irrelevant matter, such as a superfluous allegation
2. an excess of words
3. a less common word for surplus

Word History and Origins

Origin of surplusage¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1375–1425; surplus, -age

Example Sentences

Some of that surplusage is sold by private surplus retailers.

From Seattle Times

But “our preference for avoiding surplusage constructions is not absolute.”

From MSNBC

The FAA seems to believe that the “Notwithstanding any other provision…” clause does all of the heavy lifting in this statute, relegating the “may not promulgate any rule” provision to mere surplusage.

From Forbes

Unlike alternative interpretations, this plain-meaning interpretation creates no surplusage or anomalies, considers both text and context, and is consistent with the structure of the relevant sections.

From Forbes

Another canon of statutory interpretation courts are supposed to employ when ascertaining whether a statute is ambiguous is a rule against treating words as “mere surplusage.”

From Forbes