Constitutional, a.
Etymology: [f. F. constitutionnel.]
1. Belonging to, or inherent in, the constitution, or in the structure of body or mind; as, a constitutional infirmity; constitutional ardor or dullness.
2. In accordance with, or authorized by, the constitution of a state or a society; as, constitutional reforms.
3. Regulated by, dependent on, or secured by, a constitution; as, constitutional government; constitutional rights. Hallam.
4. Relating to a constitution, or establishment form of government; as, a constitutional risis. The anient constitutional traditions of the state. Macaulay.
1 more senses
5. For the benefit or one's constitution or health; as, a constitutional walk. [Colloq.] Constitutional law, law that relates to the constitution, as a permanent system of political and juridical government, as distinguished from statutory and common law, which relate to matters subordinate to such constitution.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Constitutional, n.
A walk or other exercise taken for one's health or constitution. [Colloq.] Thackeray. The men trudged diurnal constitutionals along the different roads. Compton Reade.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for constitutional; he lists it under radical.
Where he writes about it:
The widely divergent senses in which the word radical is used, by which it can be at some time interchanged with any word in the above list, are all formed upon the one primary sense of having to do with or proceeding from the root (L. radix); a radical difference is one that springs from the root, and is thus constitutional, essential, fundamental, organic, original; a radical change is one that does not stop at the surface, but reaches down to the very root, and is entire, thorough, total; since the majority find superficial treatment of any matter the easiest and most comfortable, radical measures, which strike at the root of evil or need, are apt to be looked upon as extreme. — from radical