in|ci|dent

in|ci|dent «IHN suh duhnt», noun, adjective.

–n.

1. a) a happening or event, viewed as a separate circumstance: »

So carefully has the incident been planned that all concerned…feel themselves in the power of a machine (London Times).

SYNONYM(S): occurrence, episode. See syn. under event. (Cf. ↑event) b) a troublesome or disturbing happening: »

In South Africa the official policy of apartheid continued to provoke incidents in the universities (Leonard R. Buckley).

2. an event that happens in connection with something else more important: »

She told all the main facts of her trip and a few of the amusing incidents.

3. a distinct piece of action in a story, play, or poem, usually subordinate to the main action: »

A tale should be judicious, clear, succinct; The language plain, and incidents well link'd (William Cowper).

4. Especially Law. something connected with or dependent on something else (the principal).

5. (in feudal law) any of the provisions or conditions, such as homage and wardship, on which the agreement between lord and vassal depended.

–adj.

1. liable to happen; belonging: »

Hardships are incident to the life of an explorer.

SYNONYM(S): relating.

2. falling or striking (upon): »

rays of light incident upon a mirror.

3. Especially Law. connected with or dependent on something else.

4. Rare or Obsolete. casual; incidental.

╂[< Latin incidēns, -entis, present participle of incidere befall < in- on + cadere fall]