Definitions for: Incumbent


[n] the official who holds an office
[adj] currently holding an office; "the incumbent governor"
[adj] (geology) lying or leaning on something else; "an incumbent geological formation"



Webster (1913) Definition: In*cum"bent, a. [L. incumbens, -entis, p. pr. of
incumbere to lie down upon, press upon; pref. in- in, on +
cumbere (in comp.); akin to cubare to lie down. See
Incubate.]
1. Lying; resting; reclining; recumbent; superimposed;
superincumbent.

Two incumbent figures, gracefully leaning upon it.
--Sir H.
Wotton.

To move the incumbent load they try. --Addison.

2. Lying, resting, or imposed, as a duty or obligation;
obligatory; always with on or upon.

All men, truly zealous, will perform those good
works that are incumbent on all Christians. --Sprat.

3. (Bot.) Leaning or resting; -- said of anthers when lying
on the inner side of the filament, or of cotyledons when
the radicle lies against the back of one of them. --Gray.

4. (Zo["o]l.) Bent downwards so that the ends touch, or rest
on, something else; as, the incumbent toe of a bird.


In*cum"bent, n.
A person who is in present possession of a benefice or of any
office.

The incumbent lieth at the mercy of his patron.
--Swift.

Synonyms: current, officeholder, superjacent

See Also: functionary, office-bearer, official

Try our:
Scrabble Word Finder

Scrabble Cheat

Words With Friends Cheat

Hanging With Friends Cheat

Scramble With Friends Cheat

Ruzzle Cheat



Related Resources:
animals begin with c