codicil

American  

[kod-uh-suhl] / ˈkɒd ə səl /

noun

1. a supplement to a will, containing an addition, explanation, modification, etc., of something in the will.

2. any supplement; appendix.

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codicil British  

/ ˈkɒdɪsɪl, ˌkɒdɪˈsɪlərɪ /

noun

1. law a supplement modifying a will or revoking some provision of it

2. an additional provision; appendix

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Other Word Forms

• codicillary
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of codicil

1375–1425; late Middle English < Late Latin cōdicillus (in Latin, commonly in plural only), equivalent to Latin cōdic- (stem of cōdex ) codex + -illus diminutive suffix

Explanation

A codicil is a supplement to a will. If your will is already written and you want to alter it, you add a codicil. When your seemingly ancient neighbor marries a woman less than half his age, you might notice that his adult children suddenly stop coming to visit. This may be because he added a codicil to his will granting his new wife access to all his riches. Getting your inheritance in writing is a good idea, but a codicil can change everything.

Example Sentences

We can’t have some codicil or letter or joint declaration.

From The Guardian • Jan. 29, 2019

"Stallone adds an interesting codicil: They may be far superior technologically, but not to worry — technology is no match for a pure heart."

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2018

But more than any of the particulars, it was the entirety of the codicil and its presentation as a fait accompli that alarmed Fred Trump, the depositions show.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 2, 2018

When Judge Barry read the codicil, she reached the same conclusion.

From New York Times • Oct. 2, 2018

This codicil did not, however, fundamentally alter her former testament.

From The First Governess of the Netherlands, Margaret of Austria by Tremayne, Eleanor E.