Cir`cum*stan"tial (?), a. [Cf. F. circonstanciel.]
1.
Consisting in, or pertaining to, circumstances or particular incidents.
The usual character of human testimony is substantial truth under circumstantial variety.
Paley.
2.
Incidental; relating to, but not essential.
We must therefore distinguish between the essentials in religious worship . . . and what is merely circumstantial.
Sharp.
3.
Abounding with circumstances; detailing or exhibiting all the circumstances; minute; particular.
Tedious and circumstantial recitals.
Prior.
Circumstantial evidence Law, evidence obtained from circumstances, which necessarily or usually attend facts of a particular nature, from which arises presumption. According to some authorities circumstantial is distinguished from positive evidence in that the latter is the testimony of eyewitnesses to a fact or the admission of a party; but the prevalent opinion now is that all such testimony is dependent on circumstances for its support. All testimony is more or less circumstantial. Wharton.
Syn. -- See Minute.
© Webster 1913.
Cir`cum*stan"tial, n.
Something incidental to the main subject, but of less importance; opposed to an essential; -- generally in the plural; as, the circumstantials of religion.
Addison.
© Webster 1913.