CIRCUMSTANTIAL

circumstantial. Circumstantial, a. particular, minute, accidental

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