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incumbent

in·cum·bent [ in kúmbənt ]


noun  (plural in·cum·bents)
Definition:
 
somebody in office: somebody currently holding an official post, especially in a church or political organization
Incumbents are generally at a decided advantage in elections.



adjective 
Definition:
 
1. obligatory: necessary as a result of a duty, responsibility, or obligation ( formal )
It is incumbent on us to observe every stipulation to the letter.

2. in office: currently holding an official post

[15th century. < Latin incumbent-, present participle of incumbere "lie in or on" < -cumbere "lie down"]
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