%apologetical%

{ } a. [ Gr. &unr_;, fr. &unr_; to speak in defense of; &unr_; from + &unr_; speech, &unr_; to say, to speak. See Logic. ] Defending by words or arguments; said or written in defense, or by way of apology; regretfully excusing; as, an apologetic essay. “To speak in a subdued and apologetic tone.” Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]