incumbent

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   Currently holding an official position, especially in politics.

   The incumbent president is expected to run for a second term.

2. 2
   adj

   (followed by 'on' or 'upon') Necessary as a duty or responsibility for someone.

   It is incumbent on every member to follow the rules.

From Middle English incumbent, encumbent (“holder of an ecclesiastical benefice, dean, parson, etc.; cleric (?)”), from Medieval Latin incumbēns (“holder of a church position”) + Middle English -ent (suffix denoting one that causes, does, or promotes an action). Incumbēns is derived from Medieval Latin incumbō (“to obtain; to possess”), from Latin incumbō (“to lay upon, to lean or recline on; to fall upon, to press down on”): see etymology 1.

Topics