“Modification” is not exactly synonymous with “amendment,” for the former term denotes some minor change in the substance of the tiling, without reference to its improvement or de- terioration thereby, while the latter word imports an amelioration of the thing (as by changing the phraseology of an instrument, so as to make it more distinct or specific) without involving the idea of auy change in substance or essence. In Scotch law. The term usually applied to the decree of the teind court, awarding a suitable stipend to the minister of a parish. Bell.