indite

[ in-dahyt ]

verb (used with object)

, in·dit·ed, in·dit·ing.

1. to compose or write, as a poem.
2. to treat in a literary composition.
3. Obsolete. to dictate.
4. Obsolete. to prescribe.

indite

/ ɪnˈdaɪt /

verb

1. archaic.
   to write
2. obsolete.
   to dictate

Usage

Indite and inditement are sometimes wrongly used where indict and indictment are meant: he was indicted (not indited ) for fraud

Derived Forms

• inˈditement, noun
• inˈditer, noun

Other Words From

• in·ditement noun
• in·diter noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of indite¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English enditen, from Old French enditer, from unattested Vulgar Latin indictāre, derivative of Latin indictus, past participle of indīcere “to announce, proclaim”; in- ², dictum

Word History and Origins

Origin of indite¹

C14: from Old French enditer, from Latin indīcere to declare, from in- ² + dīcere to say

Example Sentences

He could converse with any number of persons, and indite a letter at the same time, without being in any wise confused.

From Project Gutenberg

Dear Sir,—I am with much pleasure to indite you about your name that has come to my hand with great joy.

From Project Gutenberg

Les derniers jours de la grande arme; ou, Souvenirs, documents, et correspondance indite de Napolon en 1814 et 1815.

From Project Gutenberg

The minor that wrote sonnets has only to come of age, and feel that he can indite a check, to be cured of his love fever.

From Project Gutenberg

It is not the climate I am inveighing against; it is the Gothic, diabolical ideas of the people I indite.

From Project Gutenberg