That which is left from a fund which has been appropriated for a particular purpose; the remainder of a thing; the overplus the residue. 2. The following is an example of a surplus; if a thing be put in pledge as a security to pay one hundred dollars, and it be afterwards sold for one hundred and fifty dollars, the fifty dollars will be the surplus. That which remains of a fund appropriated for a particular purpose; the remainder of a thing; the overplus.; the residue. Surplus earnings. See EARNINGS.