Emily Dickinson Lexicon

MOD'U-LATE, v.t. [L. modulor, from modus, limit, measure.]

1. To form sound to a certain key, or to a certain proportion. Johnson. Encyc.
2. To vary or inflect sound in a natural, customary or musical manner. Thus the organs of speech modulate the voice in reading or speaking. Could any person so modulate her voice as to deceive so many. Broome.