supererogation noun. [,su:pǝrɛrǝ'geɪʃ(ǝ)n, ,sju:-] E16.
[Late Latin supererogatio(n-), from supererogat- pa. ppl stem of supererogare, formed as SUPER- + erogare pay out, from e- E- + rogare ask: see -ATION.]
The performance of more than duty or circumstances require; doing more than is needed; spec. (Roman Catholic Church) the performance of good works beyond what God commands or requires, as constituting a store of merit which the Church may dispense to others to make up for their deficiencies. Freq. in work of supererogation.

■ supererogant [su:pǝr'ɛrǝgǝnt, sju:-] adjective (rare) supererogatory M18.

■ supe'rerogate verb (a) verb intrans. (now rare or obsolete) do more than is commanded or required; (b) verb trans. (rare) spend or give in addition; perform as a work of supererogation: L16.

■ supe'rerogator noun (rare) a person who performs works of supererogation L17.

■ supere'rogatorily adverb beyond the requirements of the case, superfluously M19.

■ supererogatory [su:pǝrɛ'rɒgǝt(ǝ)ri, sju:-] adjective characterized by or having the nature of supererogation; superfluous: L16.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲