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.
Cir`cum*stan`ti*al"i*ty (?), n. The state, characteristic, or quality of being circumstantial; particularity or minuteness of detail. "I will endeavor to describe with sufficient circumstantiality." De Quincey.
Cir`cum*stan"tial*ly (?), adv. 1. In respect to circumstances; not essentially; accidentally.
Of the fancy and intellect, the powers are only circumstantially different.
Glanvill.