Cir′cum‐stan″tial (?), a. [Cf. F. circonstanciel.]
1. Consisting in, or pertaining to, circumstances or particular incidents.
The usual character of human testimony is substantial truth under circumstantial variety.
Paley.
2. Incidental; relating to, but not essential.
We must therefore distinguish between the essentials in religious worship... and what is merely circumstantial.
Sharp.
3. Abounding with circumstances; detailing or exhibiting all the circumstances; minute; particular.
Tedious and circumstantial recitals.
Prior.
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.