incumbent

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   currently holding an office

   the incumbent governor

2. 2
   adj

   lying or leaning on something else

   an incumbent geological formation

3. 3
   adj

   Chiefly followed by on or upon: leaning, or lying, reclining, or resting, on something else.

   [I]f the great Doore, be Arched, vvith ſome braue Head, cut in fine Stone or Marble for the Key of the Arch, and tvvo Incumbent Figures gracefully leaning vpon it, tovvards one another, as if they meant to conferre; I ſhould thinke this a ſufficient entertainement, for the firſt Reception, of any Iudicious Sight, […]

4. 4
   adj

   Being the current holder of an office or a title; specifically (Christianity, obsolete), of an ecclesiastical benefice.

   If the incumbent senator dies, he is replaced by a person appointed by the governor.

5. 5
   adj

   Oppressive, pressuring.

   The North muſt again have been alarmed, and agitated, by the invaſion of the Huns; and the nations vvho retreated before them, muſt have preſſed vvith incumbent vveight on the confines of Germany.

6. 6
   adj

   Followed by on or upon: imposed on one as an obligation, especially due to one's office or position.

   Proper behaviour is incumbent on all holders of positions of trust.

7. 7
   adj

   Hanging or leaning over.

   Hath the cleft Centre open'd vvide to Thee? / Death's inmoſt Chambers didſt Thou ever ſee? / E'er knock at his tremendous Gate, and vvade / To the black Portal thro' th' incumbent Shade?

8. 8
   adj

   Putting much effort into an activity or some work.

   And lovve menne ſpiritually are ſuche, as are incumbente and dooe reſt on filthy or vile and tranſitory thynges.

Etymology

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.