n.
- an event or occurrence; an instance of something happening.
▸a violent event, such as an assault or skirmish.
- Law a privilege, burden, or right attaching to an office, estate, or other holding.
adj.
-
(incident to)
liable to happen because of; resulting from.
▸Law attaching to.
- (especially of light or other radiation) falling on or striking something.
▸relating to incidence.
Etymology
ME: via OFr. from L. incident-, incidere ‘to fall upon, happen to’.