a. [ L. incidens, -entis, p. pr. & of incidere to fall into or upon; pref. in- in, on + cadere to fall: cf. F. incident. See Cadence. ] [ 1913 Webster ] 1. Falling or striking upon, as a ray of light upon a reflecting surface. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Coming or happening accidentally; not in the usual course of things; not in connection with the main design; not according to expectation; casual; fortuitous. [ 1913 Webster ] As the ordinary course of common affairs is disposed of by general laws, so likewise men's rarer incident necessities and utilities should be with special equity considered. Hooker. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Liable to happen; apt to occur; befalling; hence, naturally happening or appertaining. [ 1913 Webster ] All chances incident to man's frail life. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] The studies incident to his profession. Milward. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. (Law) Dependent upon, or appertaining to, another thing, called the principal. [ 1913 Webster ]
Incident proposition (Logic), a proposition subordinate to another, and introduced by who, which, whose, whom, etc.; as, Julius, whose surname was Cæsar, overcame Pompey. I. Watts. [ 1913 Webster ]
| 
