Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913
Circumstance
Cir′cum·stance (sẽr′kŭm·stăns), 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.
The circumstances are well known in the country where they happened. W. Irving.
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.
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.