hypothetical

{ } a. [ L. hypotheticus, Gr. &unr_;: cf. F. hypothétique. ] Characterized by, or of the nature of, an hypothesis; conditional; assumed without proof, for the purpose of reasoning and deducing proof, or of accounting for some fact or phenomenon. [ 1913 Webster ]

Causes hypothetical at least, if not real, for the various phenomena of the existence of which our experience informs us. Sir W. Hamilton. [ 1913 Webster ]

Hypothetical baptism (Ch. of Eng.), baptism administered to persons in respect to whom it is doubtful whether they have or have not been baptized before. Hook.

-- Hy`po*thet"ic*al*ly, adv. South. [1913 Webster]