a. [f. as prec. + -AL 1.]
1. = EPISODIC.
1667. Dryden, Ess. Dram. Poesie, Wks. 1725, I. 23. Or the episodical ornaments, such as descriptions, Narrations, and other beauties, which are not essential to the Play.
a. 1720. Sheffield (Dk. Buckhm.), Wks. (1753), II. 222. The bas-reliefs and little squares above are all episodical paintings of the same story.
1810. Edin. Rev., XV. 297. There are … no episodical conversations.
1837. Miss Sedgwick, Live & let Live (1876), 12. One of those episodical reforms that occur in every drunkard’s life.
2. transf. Of persons: Coming like an episode; casual, irregular.
1824. Scott, St. Ronan’s, xvii. And in a short time lost all recollection of his episodical visitor.
1888. P. Thorne, in Advance (Chicago), 9 Aug. The episodical people have become episodical once more in their attendance, and only the faithful few are left.
Hence Episodically adv., in an episodical manner; by way of episode.
1753. Chesterf., Lett., III. ccci. 29. There he gives episodically the best account I know of the customs and manners of the Turks.
1835. Southey, Life Cowper, I. vii. 201. Mr. Newton’s life is too remarkable … to be treated episodically.
1868. E. Edwards, Ralegh, I. xii. 239. Sir Walter has told the story himself (episodically, and as illustrating … a topic).
