Middle English Dictionary Entry
incumbent n.
Entry Info
| Forms | incumbent n. Also encumbent. |
| Etymology | L incumbens, ppl. of incumbere. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
One who holds an ecclesiastical benefice; a parson, dean, etc.; ?also, a cleric [quot.: c1410].
Associated quotations
- c1410 Chaucer CT.WB.(Hrl 7334)D.880 : Þer is non oþer incumbent [Heng: Incubus] but he [the friar], And ne wol but doon hem hem [women] dishonour.
- (?a1424) Stonor1.35 : Osebarn and Cassy have pursued a new writ of quare impedit aȝens..Golafre..Warfeld, and þe incumbent.
- (1425) RParl.4.306a : As if the Benefice were voide, be dethe of yencumbent of ye same.
- (1433) *Anc.Pet.(PRO)144.7172 : Purueide algates þat the person or the Incumbent of the saide chirche..be not hurt ne..harmed be this graunte.
- (1450) Let.Christ Ch.in RS 85.3210 : That Maystyr Wyllyam and Sir Wyllyam Dyolet have a man in comyn, indyfferently to serve hem bothe..evermore remaynyng with incumbent that ys at home.
- a1500(1446) Let.Marg.Anjou in Camd.86 (Add 46846)58 : The seid Deanry is now void, by the decesse of M. J. Forest, last incumbent of the same.