Ex*ter"nal (?), a. [L. externus, fr. exter, exterus, on the outside, outward. See Exterior.]
1.
Outward; exterior; relating to the outside, as of a body; being without; acting from without; -- opposed to internal; as, the external form or surface of a body.
Of all external things, . . .
She [Fancy] forms imaginations, aery shapes.
Milton.
2.
Outside of or separate from ourselves; Metaph. separate from the perceiving mind.
3.
Outwardly perceptible; visible; physical or corporeal, as distinguished from mental or moral.
Her virtues graced with external gifts.
Shak.
4.
Not intrinsic nor essential; accidental; accompanying; superficial.
The external circumstances are greatly different.
Trench.
5.
Foreign; relating to or connected with foreign nations; as, external trade or commerce; the external relations of a state or kingdom.
6. Anat.
Away from the mesial plane of the body; lateral.
External angles. Geom. See under Angle.
© Webster 1913.
Ex*ter"nal, n.
Something external or without; outward part; that which makes a show, rather than that which is intrinsic; visible form; -- usually in the plural.
Adam was then no less glorious in his externals
South.
God in externals could not place content.
Pope.
© Webster 1913.