late 14c., "to put (something) into the body or substance of (something else)," from Late Latin incorporatus, past participle of incorporare "unite into one body," from Latin in- "into, in, on, upon" (see in-(2)) + corpus (genitive corporis) "body" (see corporeal). Meaning "to legally form a body politic" is from 1460s. Related: Incorporated; incorporating.