Incident — Defs

01 a. Falling or striking upon, as a ray of light upon a reflecting surface.

1.
Falling or striking upon, as a ray of light upon a reflecting surface.
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.
“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.
3.
Liable to happen; apt to occur; befalling; hence, naturally happening or appertaining.
“All chances incident to man's frail life.” — Milton.

“The studies incident to his profession.” — Milward.
4.
Dependent upon, or appertaining to, another thing, called the principal.(Law)

Phrases & compounds

Incident proposition — a proposition subordinate to another, and introduced by who, which, whose, whom, etc.; as, Julius, whose surname was Cæsar, overcame Pompey.

02 n. That which falls out or takes place; an event; casualty; occurrence.

1.
That which falls out or takes place; an event; casualty; occurrence.
2.
That which happens aside from the main design; an accidental or subordinate action or event.
“No person, no incident, in a play but must be of use to carry on the main design.” — Dryden.
3.
Something appertaining to, passing with, or depending on, another, called the principal.(Law)

Syn. Circumstance; event; fact; adventure; contingency; chance; accident; casualty. See Event.