indenture
|in-den-ture|
🇺🇸
/ɪnˈdɛn.tʃɚ/
🇬🇧
/ɪnˈdɛn.tʃə/
bound by contract
Etymology
'indenture' originates from Medieval Latin (or Medieval Latin-influenced legal usage), specifically the word 'indentura', where the element related to 'dent-' referred to a 'tooth' or tooth-like notch (the distinctive indented edge of duplicate documents).
'indenture' changed from Middle English 'indentur' or Old French forms such as 'endenture' (used of a written contract with indented edges) and eventually became the modern English word 'indenture'.
Initially, it referred most literally to the physical 'indentation' or 'tooth-like' cut made in duplicate legal documents; over time it came to denote the written contract itself and the legal obligation created by that document.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a formal legal written agreement or contract, especially one by which an apprentice or servant is bound to a master for a fixed period.
The apprentice signed the indenture and began his training.
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Noun 2
a legal document (often a deed) that was traditionally drawn with indented or 'toothed' edges to show matching copies — i.e., a deed executed in duplicate with a serrated edge.
They examined the indenture to confirm the terms of the sale.
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Verb 1
to bind by or as if by indenture; to place (someone) under a formal contract, especially as an apprentice or servant.
Historically, masters would indenture apprentices for a set number of years.
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Last updated: 2025/12/26 00:56