INCUM'BENT, a. [L. incumbens, incumbo; in and cumbo, to lie down.] 1. Lying or resting on. And when to move th'incumbent load they try.2. Supported; buoyed up. And fly incumbent on the dusky air.3. Leaning on, or resting against; as incumbent stamens or anthers, in botany.4. Lying on, as duty or obligation; imposed and emphatically urging or pressing to performance; indispensable. All men, truly zealous, will perform those good works which are incumbent on all christians.INCUM'BENT, n. The person who is in present possession of a benefice,or of any office. [It is applied to civil officers as well as to ecclesiastical.]
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