incumbency

incumbency is defined in Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (1913) with 3 senses. The full text of each entry is reproduced verbatim below.

Definitions

  1. 1.That which is physically incumbent; that which lies as a burden; a weight. Evelyn.
  2. 2.That which is morally incumbent, or is imposed, as a rule, a duty, obligation, or responsibility. "The incumbencies of a family." Donne.
  3. 3.The state of holding a benefice; the full possession and exercise of any office. These fines are only to be paid to the bishop during his incumbency. Swift.

Source: Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).

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