n. [ L. circumstantia, fr. circumstans, -antis, p. pr. of circumstare to stand around; circum + stare to stand. See Stand. ] 1. That which attends, or relates to, or in some way affects, a fact or event; an attendant thing or state of things. [ 1913 Webster ] The circumstances are well known in the country where they happened. W. Irving. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. An event; a fact; a particular incident. [ 1913 Webster ] The sculptor had in his thoughts the conqueror weeping for new worlds, or the like circumstances in history. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Circumlocution; detail. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ] So without more circumstance at all
I hold it fit that we shake hands and part. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. pl. Condition in regard to worldly estate; state of property; situation; surroundings. [ 1913 Webster ] When men are easy in their circumstances, they are naturally enemies to innovations. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]
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. [ 1913 Webster ] | 
