indenture

[ in-den-cher ]

noun

1. a deed or agreement executed in two or more copies with edges correspondingly indented as a means of identification.
2. any deed, written contract, or sealed agreement.
3. a contract by which a person, as an apprentice, is bound to service.
4. any official or formal list, certificate, etc., authenticated for use as a voucher or the like.
5. the formal agreement between a group of bondholders and the debtor as to the terms of the debt.
6. indentation.

verb (used with object)

, in·den·tured, in·den·tur·ing.

1. to bind by indenture, as an apprentice.
2. Archaic. to make a depression in; wrinkle; furrow.

indenture

/ ɪnˈdɛntʃə /

noun

1. any deed, contract, or sealed agreement between two or more parties
2. (formerly) a deed drawn up in duplicate, each part having correspondingly indented edges for identification and security
3. often plural a contract between an apprentice and his master
4. a formal or official list or certificate authenticated for use as a voucher, etc
5. See indentation
   a less common word for indentation

verb

1. intr to enter into an agreement by indenture
2. tr to bind (an apprentice, servant, etc) by indenture
3. obsolete.
   tr to indent or wrinkle

Derived Forms

• inˈdentureˌship, noun

Other Words From

• in·den·ture·ship noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of indenture¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; a Middle English word from the Medieval Latin word indentūra; indent ¹, -ure

Example Sentences

But the pressure of need compelled his father to indenture him at an early age to a dyer in Lectourne.

From Project Gutenberg

But her small boot heel did not make an indenture, not a mark upon the little glittering circlet.

From Project Gutenberg

All the deeds above mentioned except an indenture, are signed only by the selling or granting party.

From Project Gutenberg

The new form of indenture also required the master to allow each apprentice a reasonable holiday in every year.

From Project Gutenberg

As showing the position of an apprentice in the 15th century a Shrewsbury Indenture is given as a note to this Chapter.

From Project Gutenberg