Punc"tu*al (?), a. [F. ponctuel
(cf. Sp. puntual, It. puntuale), from L. punctum
point. See Point.] 1. Consisting in a
point; limited to a point; unextended. [R.] "This
punctual spot." Milton.
The theory of the punctual existence of the
soul.
Krauth.
2. Observant of nice points; punctilious;
precise.
Punctual to tediousness in all that he
relates.
Bp. Burnet.
So much on punctual niceties they
stand.
C. Pitt.
3. Appearing or done at, or adhering exactly
to, a regular or an appointed time; precise; prompt; as, a
punctual man; a punctual payment. "The race of the
undeviating and punctual sun." Cowper.
These sharp strokes [of a pendulum], with their
inexorably steady intersections, so agree with our successive thoughts
that they seem like the punctual stops counting off our very
souls into the past.
J. Martineau.
