Indenture: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ“œ
Add to dictionary

indenture

 

[ ษชnหˆdษ›n.tสƒษ™r ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

legal agreement

An indenture is a formal legal agreement, contract, or document specifying the terms of a bond or real estate transaction. It typically outlines the obligations and rights of both parties involved in the agreement. Historically, indentures were also used to bind apprentices to artisans for a specific period.

Synonyms

agreement, bond, contract, deed

Examples of usage

  • The indenture specified the conditions of the loan.
  • He signed an indenture to work as an apprentice for five years.
  • The company defaulted on its indenture agreement with bondholders.
Context #2 | Verb

to bind legally

To indenture means to bind someone by contract or formal agreement, particularly in the context of servitude or apprenticeship. This involves a legal obligation on the part of the indentured person to work under specific terms.

Synonyms

bind, contract, engage, obligate

Examples of usage

  • They decided to indenture the young craftsman to a master.
  • The school plans to indenture students for internships.
  • Historically, many immigrants were indentured to pay off their passage.

Translations

Translations of the word "indenture" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น contrato

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเค‚เคตเคฟเคฆเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Vertrag

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ kontrak

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะบะพะฝั‚ั€ะฐะบั‚

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ umowa

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅฅ‘็ด„

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท contrat

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ contrato

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท sรถzleลŸme

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ณ„์•ฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุนู‚ุฏ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ smlouva

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ zmluva

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅฅ‘็บฆ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ pogodba

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ samningur

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะบะตะปั–ัั–ะผัˆะฐั€ั‚

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒแƒžแƒ˜แƒ แƒ’แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mรผqavilษ™

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ contrato

Etymology

The word 'indenture' originates from the late Middle English term 'endenture,' which meant 'a written agreement.' It derives from the Old French word 'endenture,' meaning 'to indent or notch,' which is a reference to the notches cut on the edges of the document. This practice was used to create multiple copies of an agreement, ensuring that they could be matched together to confirm authenticity. The use of indentures was prevalent in the medieval and early modern periods, especially concerning servitude and apprenticeship, where young individuals were bound contractually to a master craftsman. The evolution of the word reflects the historical practice of documented agreements that laid out terms of service and rights, marking significant changes in contractual relationships in society.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,234, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.