Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition


Occasional

Oc-ca′sion-al

(ŏk-kā′zhŭn-al)
,
Adj.
[Cf. F.
occasionnel
.]
1.
Occuring at times, but not constant, regular, or systematic; made or happening as opportunity requires or admits; casual; incidental;
as,
occasional
remarks, or efforts
.
The . . .
occasional
writing of the present times.
Bagehot.
2.
Produced by accident;
as, the
occasional
origin of a thing
.
[Obs.]
Sir T. Browne.
Occasional cause
(Metaph.)
,
some circumstance preceding an effect which, without being the real cause, becomes the occasion of the action of the efficient cause;
thus, the act of touching gunpowder with fire is the
occasional
, but not the efficient, cause of an explosion
.

Webster 1828 Edition


Occasional

OCCA'SIONAL

,
Adj.
s as z.
1.
Incidental; casual; occurring at times, but not regular or systematic; made or happening as opportunity requires or admits. We make occasional remarks on the events of the age.
2.
Produced by accident; as the occasional origin of a thing.
3.
Produced or made on some special event; as an occasional discourse.