Emily Dickinson Lexicon

SUR-MOUNT', v.t. [Fr. surmonter; sur and monter, to ascend.]

1. To rise above. The mountains of Olympus, Atho and Atlas, surmount all winds and clouds. – Ralegh.
2. To conquer; to overcome; as, to surmount difficulties or obstacles.
3. To surpass; to exceed. Wind surmounts the reach / Of human sense. – Milton.