Cir″cum‐stance (sẽr″kŭm‐stăns), n. [L. circumstantia, fr. circumstans, -antis, p. pr. of circumstare to stand around; circum + stare to stand. See Stand.] 1. That which attends, or relates to, or in some way affects, a fact or event; an attendant thing or state of things.
The circumstances are well known in the country where they happened.
W. Irving.
2. An event; a fact; a particular incident.
The sculptor had in his thoughts the conqueror weeping for new worlds, or the like circumstances in history.
Addison.
3. Circumlocution; detail.
So without more circumstance at all
I hold it fit that we shake hands and part.
Shak.
4. pl. Condition in regard to worldly estate; state of property; situation; surroundings.
When men are easy in their circumstances, they are naturally enemies to innovations.
Addison.
Not a circumstance, of no account. — Under the circumstances, taking all things into consideration.
Syn. — Event; occurrence; incident; situation; condition; position; fact; detail; item. See Event.