indent
1to form deep recesses in: The sea indents the coast.
to set in or back from the margin, as the first line of a paragraph.
to sever (a document drawn up in duplicate) along an irregular line as a means of identification.
to cut or tear the edge of (copies of a document) in an irregular way.
to make toothlike notches in; notch.
to indenture, as an apprentice.
British. to draw an order upon.
Chiefly British. to order, as commodities.
to form a recess.
Chiefly British. to make out an order or requisition in duplicate.
Obsolete.
to draw upon a person or thing for something.
to enter into an agreement by indenture; make a compact.
a toothlike notch or deep recess; indentation.
an indention.
an indenture.
American History. a certificate issued by a state or the federal government at the close of the Revolutionary War for the principal or interest due on the public debt.
British. a requisition for stores.
Origin of indent
1Other words from indent
- in·dent·er, in·den·tor, noun
Other definitions for indent (2 of 2)
a dent.
Origin of indent
2Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use indent in a sentence
He may lie in the harbour of Bon Accord, which indents the island a mile and a half, and affords shelter in all weathers.
Yachting Vol. 2 | Various.St. Marc is in the middle coast of Haiti, at the east side of the great bay that indents the island from the west.
“Ammunition and ration indents all present and correct, sir,” said he.
Cupid in Africa | P. C. WrenIt must suggest the cape that indents the sea as well as the vast plain that stretches out from river to river.
The Reconstructed School | Francis B. PearsonThe hands, so plump as to show mere indents in place of knuckles across their remarkable breadth, grasped a small crucifix.
Consequences | E. M. Delafield
British Dictionary definitions for indent (1 of 2)
to place (written or printed matter, etc) in from the margin, as at the beginning of a paragraph
to cut or tear (a document, esp a contract or deed in duplicate) so that the irregular lines may be matched to confirm its authenticity
mainly British (in foreign trade) to place an order for (foreign goods), usually through an agent
(when intr, foll by for, on, or upon) mainly British to make an order on (a source or supply) or for (something)
to notch (an edge, border, etc); make jagged
to bind (an apprentice, etc) by indenture
mainly British (in foreign trade) an order for foreign merchandise, esp one placed with an agent
mainly British an official order for goods
(in the late 18th-century US) a certificate issued by federal and state governments for the principal or interest due on the public debt
another word for indenture
another word for indentation (def. 4)
Origin of indent
1Derived forms of indent
- indenter or indentor, noun
British Dictionary definitions for indent (2 of 2)
(tr) to make a dent or depression in
a dent or depression
Origin of indent
2Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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