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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

circumstance \cir"cum*stance\ (s[~e]r"k[u^]m*st[a^]ns), 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.
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The circumstances are well known in the country
where they happened. --W. Irving.
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2. An event; a fact; a particular incident.
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The sculptor had in his thoughts the conqueror
weeping for new worlds, or the like circumstances in
history. --Addison.
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3. Circumlocution; detail. [Obs.]
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So without more circumstance at all
I hold it fit that we shake hands and part. --Shak.
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4. pl. Condition in regard to worldly estate; state of
property; situation; surroundings.
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When men are easy in their circumstances, they are
naturally enemies to innovations. --Addison.
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{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}.
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Circumstance \Cir"cum*stance\, v. t.
To place in a particular situation; to supply relative
incidents.
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The poet took the matters of fact as they came down to
him and circumstanced them, after his own manner.
--Addison.
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