GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   circumstantial , a. [Cf. F. circonstanciel.]
   1913 Webster
   Consisting in, or pertaining to, circumstances or particular incidents.
   1913 Webster
   The usual character of human testimony is substantial truth under circumstantial variety.
   Paley.
   
   1913 Webster
   Incidental; relating to, but not essential.
   1913 Webster
   We must therefore distinguish between the essentials in religious worship . . . and what is merely circumstantial.
   Sharp.
   
   1913 Webster
   Abounding with circumstances; detailing or exhibiting all the circumstances; minute; particular.
   1913 Webster
   Tedious and circumstantial recitals.
   Prior.
   
   1913 Webster
   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.
   1913 Webster
   
         
       

2.       
   Circumstantial, 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.
   
   1913 Webster