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 ] | 
