debenture

[ dih-ben-cher ]

noun

1. certificate of indebtedness.
2. a certificate of drawback issued at a custom house.

debenture

/ dɪˈbɛntʃə /

noun

1. Also calleddebenture bond a long-term bond, bearing fixed interest and usually unsecured, issued by a company or governmental agency
2. a certificate acknowledging the debt of a stated sum of money to a specified person
3. a customs certificate providing for a refund of excise or import duty

Derived Forms

• deˈbentured, adjective

Other Words From

• de·bentured adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of debenture¹

1425–75; late Middle English debentur < Latin dēbentur ( mihi ) there are owing (to me), 3rd person plural passive indicative of dēbēre to owe ( debt )

Word History and Origins

Origin of debenture¹

C15: from Latin phrase dēbentur mihi there are owed to me, from dēbēre to owe

Example Sentences

The case came to British courts because London-based Law Debenture Trust Corp. had been appointed by Ukraine to represent the interests of bondholders.

From Seattle Times

Indian regulations mandate that companies raising debt appoint a so-called "debenture trustee" to protect the interests of investors.

From Reuters

These were the kind of guys who knew what a debenture was yet had a feel for programming and knew enough to hire good people and leave them alone.

From New York Times

Existing debenture holders will be offered the chance to relocate to the new 4,200 capacity area.

From BBC

Those who fork out £50,000 for “exclusive circle” debenture tickets, which give holders a Centre Court seat for all 13 days of the championships for five years, are given reserved parking on the 12th fairway.

From The Guardian