'incumbency' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'incumbentia,' where 'in-' meant 'on' and 'cumbere' meant 'to lie down.'

'incumbentia' transformed into the Medieval Latin word 'incumbentia,' and eventually became the modern English word 'incumbency.'

Initially, it meant 'the act of lying down on something,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'holding an office or position.'