APOLOGETICAL, something said or written, by way of excuse or apology, for any action or person.

The Apologetic of Tertullian is a work full of strength and spirit. He there vindicates the Christians from all that had been objected to them; particularly from the abominable crimes said to be perpetrated at their meetings, and their want of love and fidelity to their country. The ground of this last accusation was, their refusing to take the accustomed oaths, and swear by the tutelar gods of the empire.—Tertullian addresses his Apologetic to the magistrates of Rome, the emperor Severus being then absent.