Indenturing: meaning, definitions and examples
📜
indenturing
[ ɪnˈdɛntʃərɪŋ ]
historical context
Indenturing refers to the practice of binding individuals to work for a specified number of years in exchange for passage, room, and board. This system was particularly common in the 17th and 18th centuries, especially in colonial America, where labor was in high demand. Indentured servants typically signed contracts indicating the length of their service, which could range from four to seven years. After fulfilling their contract, they were often given 'freedom dues,' which could include land, money, or goods to help them start their new lives. The practice largely declined as the institution of slavery became more prominent.
Synonyms
apprenticeship, bonded labor, servitude
Examples of usage
- Indenturing was a common practice in colonial America.
- Many immigrants sought indenturing as a way to start anew.
- Indenturing defined the labor force in early American settlements.
Translations
Translations of the word "indenturing" in other languages:
🇵🇹 indenturação
🇮🇳 अनुबंधित करना
🇩🇪 Verpflichtung
🇮🇩 perjanjian
🇺🇦 підряджання
🇵🇱 zobowiązanie
🇯🇵 契約
🇫🇷 engagement
🇪🇸 contratación
🇹🇷 taahhüt etme
🇰🇷 계약
🇸🇦 التمهيد
🇨🇿 závazek
🇸🇰 záväzok
🇨🇳 契约
🇸🇮 zaveza
🇮🇸 skuldbinding
🇰🇿 міндеттеме
🇬🇪 ბრკოლება
🇦🇿 müqavilə
🇲🇽 contratación
Etymology
The term 'indenturing' originates from the word 'indenture', which comes from the late Middle English term 'endenture'. The word refers to a formal agreement made between an employer and a worker, usually signing their names on a piece of paper which would be 'indented' or cut in a particular way to authenticate the indenture. Historically, indentured servitude emerged in the 16th century as a means of attracting laborers to the New World, particularly in North America and the Caribbean. The rise of this practice was prompted by the demand for labor to cultivate tobacco, sugar, and other cash crops in the colonies. Indentured servants were often poor Europeans who could not afford the cost of passage across the Atlantic. By entering into an indenture, they secured their transportation in exchange for a number of years of labor without pay. After fulfilling their term, some indentured servants successfully assimilated into colonial society by acquiring land and establishing families, while others faced hardships that prevented them from improving their circumstances.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #41,447, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.