\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}.

\Cir`cum*stan"tial\, n.
Something incidental to the main subject, but of less
importance; opposed to an essential; -- generally in the
plural; as, the circumstantials of religion. --Addison.