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adj. 1. Occurring or likely to occur as an unpredictable or minor consequence: "the principle that even annoying, intrusive, and offensive speech is to be protected by the courts and tolerated by the public as incidental to an open society" (Frederick Schauer). See Synonyms at accidental. 2. Of a minor, casual, or subordinate nature: incidental expenses. n. A minor accompanying item or expense: a pocket in the suitcase for incidentals. |
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