n. Something incidental to the main subject, but of less importance; opposed to an essential; -- generally in the plural;
a. [ Cf. F. circonstanciel. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
The usual character of human testimony is substantial truth under circumstantial variety. Paley. [ 1913 Webster ]
We must therefore distinguish between the essentials in religious worship . . . and what is merely circumstantial. Sharp. [ 1913 Webster ]
Tedious and circumstantial recitals. Prior. [ 1913 Webster ]
Circumstantial evidence (Law),
n. The state, characteristic, or quality of being circumstantial; particularity or minuteness of detail. “I will endeavor to describe with sufficient circumstantiality.” De Quincey. [ 1913 Webster ]
adv.
Of the fancy and intellect, the powers are only circumstantially different. Glanvill. [ 1913 Webster ]
To set down somewhat circumstantially, not only the events, but the manner of my trials. Boyle. [ 1913 Webster ]