Excess  —n. 1 exceeding. 2 amount by which one thing exceeds another. 3 a overstepping of accepted limits of moderation, esp. In eating or drinking. B (in pl.) Immoderate behaviour. 4 part of an insurance claim to be paid by the insured. —attrib. Adj. Usu. 1 that exceeds a limited or prescribed amount. 2 required as extra payment (excess postage).  in (or to) excess exceeding the proper amount or degree.