a. (sb.) Also 6–7 -all. [ad. L. conjectūrāl-is, f. conjectūra CONJECTURE sb. So in F. from 16th c.]
1. Of, pertaining to, or of the nature of, conjecture; depending on, implying, or involving conjecture.
1553. T. Wilson, Rhet., 49 b. The oration conjectural is when matters be examined and tryed out by suspicions gathered, and some likelihode of thinge appearinge.
1597. Hooker, Eccl. Pol., V. II. 220. Which haue but coniecturall knowledge of their meaning.
1626. Bacon, Sylva, § 675. I doubt it is too Conjecturall to venture upon.
1677. Hale, Prim. Orig. Man., 7. Our knowledge concerning them is meerly conjectural.
1768. Johnson, Pref. to Shaks., Wks. IX. 298. Conjectural criticism has been of great use in the learned world.
1794. Paley, Evid., I. ix. § 7. Bold hypotheses and conjectural solutions.
1845. Stoddart, in Encycl. Metrop. (1847), I. 111/1. Conjectural etymology is like conjectural criticism … only to be indulged in very sparingly, and under the control of a most sound and experienced judgment.
1883. A. Roberts, O. T. Revision, vii. 138. Conjectural emendations which have been introduced by transcribers.
2. Given to making conjectures.
1642. Fuller, Holy & Prof. St., II. vi. 71. He is not peremptory but conjecturall in doubtfull matters.
1768. Johnson, Pref. to Shaks., Wks. IX. 297. A conjectural critic.
1780. Harris, Philolog. Enq., Wks. (1841), 398. Were this bold conjectural spirit confined to works of second rate.
1856. Mrs. Browning, Aur. Leigh, IV. 1000. Her touching, foolish lines We mused on with conjectural fantasy.
† 3. That can be guessed, conjecturable. rare.
1659. Vulg. Errors Censured, 2. It is scarce conjecturall from whence this opprobrium should take its rise; there being no rationall foundation for such a superstructure.
† B. sb. a. Something that is conjectural. b. A conjecture; a supposition. Obs.
1579. J. Stubbes, Gaping Gulf, E ij. Yet will I not rest vpon coniecturalls.
1611. Speed, Hist. Gt. Brit., V. iii. § 12. Depending onely vpon coniecturals.
1631. Heywood, Eng. Eliz. (1641), 14. The conjecturall of the administration of this oath … was to strengthen the match.
1654. R. Whitlock, Ζωοτομια, 536. Look through Faiths Prospective, and they will confesse Mathematicall Demonstrations but Conjecturals, in comparison.
