The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Surprise \Sur*prise"\, n. [F. surprise, fr. surprendre, surpris;
   sur over + prendre to take, L. prehendere. See Sur-, and
   Prehensile.]
   1. The act of coming upon, or taking, unawares; the act of
      seizing unexpectedly; surprisal; as, the fort was taken by
      surprise.
      [1913 Webster]

   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.
      [1913 Webster]

            Pure surprise and fear
            Made me to quit the house.            --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. Anything that causes such a state or emotion.
      [1913 Webster]

   4. A dish covered with a crust of raised paste, but with no
      other contents. [Obs.] --King.
      [1913 Webster]

   Surprise party, a party of persons who assemble by mutual
      agreement, and without invitation, at the house of a
      common friend. [U.S.] --Bartlett.
      [1913 Webster]

   Syn: Wonder; astonishment; amazement.
        [1913 Webster]