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 ]

a. [ Cf. F. circonstanciel. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. 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 ]

2. 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 ]

3. 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 ]

n. The state, characteristic, or quality of being circumstantial; particularity or minuteness of detail. “I will endeavor to describe with sufficient circumstantiality.” De Quincey. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. 1. In respect to circumstances; not essentially; accidentally. [ 1913 Webster ]

Of the fancy and intellect, the powers are only circumstantially different. Glanvill. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. In every circumstance or particular; minutely. [ 1913 Webster ]

To set down somewhat circumstantially, not only the events, but the manner of my trials. Boyle. [ 1913 Webster ]