circumstantial evidence
    n 1: evidence providing only a basis for inference about the
         fact in dispute [syn: circumstantial evidence, indirect
         evidence] [ant: direct evidence]

Evidence \Ev"i*dence\, n. [F. ['e]vidence, L. Evidentia. See
   Evident.]
   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]

circumstantial \cir`cum*stan"tial\ (s[~e]r`k[u^]m*st[a^]n"shal),
   a. [Cf. F. circonstanciel.]
   [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]