A plain-language definition, not a conclusion about a document or case. Read the term in its full legal context.
Plain-English meaning
Codicil
A document that amends an existing will without replacing the entire will.
Why the term matters
A codicil must generally satisfy will-execution rules and should be read together with the original will and earlier codicils.
Do not confuse it with
A codicil changes a will; a trust amendment changes a trust. A new will may revoke earlier wills and codicils.