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. 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

“Obviously the banjo’s got African roots too. Country music came from people in the South and Appalachia, slaves and indentured servants from Europe, each gathering and trading stories.”

From Los Angeles Times

But the early modern economies in sugar, tobacco and gold generated empire-building profit for Europe and the early U.S. by means of enslavement and indentured servitude.

From Salon

They and their families are expendable indentured servants on a rock enrobed in perpetual darkness.

From Salon

In a little over a year, my three-decade indenture as a full-time laundress will come to an end.

From Los Angeles Times

To me, indentured wealth feels like something that should be disbanded.

From Los Angeles Times