External \Ex*ter"nal\, n. Something external or without; outward part; that which makes a show, rather than that which is intrinsic; visible form; -- usually in the plural.

Adam was then no less glorious in his externals --South.

God in externals could not place content. --Pope.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

External \Ex*ter"nal\, a. [L. externus, fr. exter, exterus, on the outside, outward. See Exterior.]

1. Outward; exterior; relating to the outside, as of a body; being without; acting from without; -- opposed to internal; as, the external form or surface of a body.

Of all external things, . . . She [Fancy] forms imaginations, aery shapes. --Milton.

2. Outside of or separate from ourselves; (Metaph.) separate from the perceiving mind.

3. Outwardly perceptible; visible; physical or corporeal, as distinguished from mental or moral.

Her virtues graced with external gifts. --Shak.

4. Not intrinsic nor essential; accidental; accompanying; superficial.

The external circumstances are greatly different. --Trench.

5. Foreign; relating to or connected with foreign nations; as, external trade or commerce; the external relations of a state or kingdom.

6. (Anat.) Away from the mesial plane of the body; lateral.

External angles. (Geom.) See under Angle.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)