Circumstantial \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.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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