1. Not properly or necessarily following or ensuing; inconsequential.
1769. Blackstone, Comm., IV. 37. A, though accessory to the burning, is not accessory to the robbery, for that is a thing of a distinct and unconsequential nature.
1779–81. Johnson, L. P., Waller, Wks. II. 261. Some applications may be thought too remote and unconsequential: as in the verses on the Lady dancing.
a. 1849. Poe, F. S. Osgood, Wks. 1865, III. 90. The ‘situations’ of Elfrida are improbable or ultra-romantic, and its incidents unconsequential.
1885. Athenæum, 19 Dec., 804/3. Her punishment is … too unconsequential to be accepted as a natural transcript from every-day life.
2. Of no consequence; insignificant.
1782. I. Reed, Baker’s Biog. Dram., I. 187/2. Notwithstanding an unconsequential figure and uncommon timidity, he says, he succeeded beyond his most sanguine expectations.
1789. Mrs. Piozzi, Journ. France, I. 146. [It] is … crowded with small unconsequential figures.
