■ noun
1》 an event or occurrence; an instance of something happening.
↘a violent event, such as an assault or skirmish.
2》 Law a privilege, burden, or right attaching to an office, estate, or other holding.
■ adjective
1》 ( ~ to ) liable to happen because of; resulting from.
↘ Law attaching to.
2》 (especially of light or other radiation) falling on or striking something.
↘relating to incidence.
Origin
ME: via OFr. from L. ~- , incidere 'to fall upon, happen to'.