'indent' originates from Middle French, specifically the word 'endenter,' where 'en-' meant 'in' and 'dent' meant 'tooth.'

'endenter' transformed into the English word 'indent,' and eventually became the modern English word 'indent' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to make a tooth-like notch,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to start a line of text further from the margin.'