Chapter Circumferential to Circumstantially of C by Webster's Dictionary (1913 Edition)

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. [Obs.]

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. [Colloq.] — Under the circumstances, taking all things into consideration.

Syn. — Event; occurrence; incident; situation; condition; position; fact; detail; item. See Event.

Circumstance
(Cir"cum*stance), v. t. To place in a particular situation; to supply relative incidents.

The poet took the matters of fact as they came down to him and circumstanced them, after his own manner.
Addison.

Circumstanced
(Cir"cum*stanced) p. a.

1. Placed in a particular position or condition; situated.

The proposition is, that two bodies so circumstanced will balance each other.
Whewell.

2. Governed by events or circumstances. [Poetic & R.] "I must be circumstanced." Shak.

Circumstant
(Cir"cum*stant) a. [L. circumstans. See Circumstance.] Standing or placed around; surrounding. [R.] "Circumstant bodies." Sir K. Digby.

Circumstantiable
(Cir`cum*stan"tia*ble) a. Capable of being circumstantiated. [Obs.] Jer Taylor.

Circumstantial
(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.