SURPRISE

surprise. (fr) surprise, to come vpon, and vnawares, and to take of a suddaine.

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Sur‐prise″ (?), n. [[F. surprise, fr. surprendre, surpris; sur over + prendre to take, L. prehendere. See Sur-, and Prehensile.]] 1. 1. The act of coming upon, or taking, unawares; the act of seizing unexpectedly; surprisal; as, the fort was taken by surprise.
2. 2. The state of being surprised, or taken unawares, by some act or event which could not reasonably be foreseen; emotion excited by what is sudden and strange; a suddenly excited feeling of wonder or astonishment.
Pure surprise and fear Made me to quit the house. Shak. 3. 3. Anything that causes such a state or emotion.
4. 4. A dish covered with a crust of raised paste, but with no other contents. King.
Surprise party, a party of persons who assemble by mutual agreement, and without invitation, at the house of a common friend. Bartlett. Syn. — Wonder; astonishment; amazement.