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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Circumstantial \Cir`cum*stan"tial\, 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.
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circumstantial \cir`cum*stan"tial\ (s[~e]r`k[u^]m*st[a^]n"shal),
a. [Cf. F. circonstanciel.]
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1. Consisting in, or pertaining to, circumstances or
particular incidents.
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The usual character of human testimony is
substantial truth under circumstantial variety.
--Paley.
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2. Incidental; relating to, but not essential.
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We must therefore distinguish between the essentials
in religious worship . . . and what is merely
circumstantial. --Sharp.
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3. Abounding with circumstances; detailing or exhibiting all
the circumstances; minute; particular.
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Tedious and circumstantial recitals. --Prior.
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{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}.
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