Definition of incumbent

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in·cum·bent    (n-kmbnt) KEY 

ADJECTIVE:

1. Imposed as an obligation or duty; obligatory: felt it was incumbent on us all to help.
2. Lying, leaning, or resting on something else: incumbent rock strata.
3. Currently holding a specified office: the incumbent mayor.

NOUN:

A person who holds an office or ecclesiastical benefice: The incumbent was reelected to another term.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English, holder of an office, from Medieval Latin incumbns, incumbent-, from Latin, present participle of incumbere, to lean upon, apply oneself to : in-, on ; see in-² + -cumbere, to recline

OTHER FORMS:
in·cumbent·ly(Adverb)