Emily Dickinson Lexicon

MOD'I-FY, v.t. [Fr. modifier; It. modificare; Sp. modificar; L. modificor; modus, limit, manner, and facio, to make.]

1. To change the form or external qualities of a thing; to shape; to give a new form of being to; as, to modify matter, light or sound. Newton. Holder.
2. To vary; to give a new form to anything; as, to modify the terms of a contract. A prefix modifies the sense of a verb.
3. To moderate; to qualify; to reduce in extent or degree. Of his grace / He modifies his first severe decree. Dryden.