circumstantial evidence

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

1.That which makes evident or manifest; that which furnishes, or tends to furnish, proof; any mode of proof; the ground of belief or judgement; as, the evidence of our senses; evidence of the truth or falsehood of a statement. [1913 Webster]

Faith is . . . the evidence of things not seen.— Heb. xi. 1.[1913 Webster]

O glorious trial of exceeding love Illustrious evidence, example high.— Milton.[1913 Webster]

2.One who bears witness. [R.] "Infamous and perjured evidences." --Sir W. Scott. [1913 Webster]

3.(Law) That which is legally submitted to competent tribunal, as a means of ascertaining the truth of any alleged matter of fact under investigation before it; means of making proof; -- the latter, strictly speaking, not being synonymous with evidence, but rather the effect of it. --Greenleaf. [1913 Webster]

Circumstantial evidence, Conclusive evidence, etc. See under Circumstantial, Conclusive, etc.

Crown's evidence, King's evidence, or Queen's evidence, evidence for the crown, in English courts; equivalent to state's evidence in American courts. [Eng.]

State's evidence, evidence for the government or the people. [U. S. ]

To turn King's evidence To turn Queen's evidence, or To turn State's evidence, to confess a crime and give evidence against one's accomplices.

Syn: Testimony; proof. See Testimony. [1913 Webster]

1.Consisting in, or pertaining to, circumstances or particular incidents. [1913 Webster]

The usual character of human testimony is substantial truth under circumstantial variety.— Paley.[1913 Webster]

2.Incidental; relating to, but not essential. [1913 Webster]

We must therefore distinguish between the essentials in religious worship . . . and what is merely circumstantial.— Sharp.[1913 Webster]

3.Abounding with circumstances; detailing or exhibiting all the circumstances; minute; particular. [1913 Webster]

Tedious and circumstantial recitals.— Prior.[1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]