indenture means A contract which binds a person to work for another, under specified conditions, for a specified time (often as an apprentice). Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 81 out of 100.
indenture is pronounced /ɪnˈdɛn.ʃɝ/.
Why “indenture” is a great word
INDENTURE — [Noun] A formal contract, historically one written in duplicate on a single sheet and then divided along a jagged line for authentication, binding a person to work for another for a specified period. From Anglo-Norman endenture, from Old French endenteure, from endenter ('to dent, notch'), referring to the indented cut used to authenticate the matching copies of the contract. First recorded in English 1275–1325. Unlike apprenticeship, which denotes a system of training, or deed, a broad term for a legal document, indenture is the precise physical instrument of bound obligation itself. It is the rasp of the quill signing away seven years, the crisp tear through parchment leaving a unique, jagged cipher, and the creased vellum hidden in a strongbox—a testament that the most binding agreements are those we enter to escape a different confinement.
noun
- A contract which binds a person to work for another, under specified conditions, for a specified time (often as an apprentice).“And so the schoolmistress reconciled the recommendation to her conscience, and the indentures were cancelled, and the apprentice was free.”
- A contract relating to lending (typically for issuing a bond), a real estate transaction, or a bankruptcy that imposes additional conditions on one or both parties.
- A document, written as duplicates separated by indentations, specifying either of the above contracts.“Walking the street very hungry, and not knowing what to do with himself, a crimp's bill was put into his hand, offering immediate entertainment and encouragement to such as would bind themselves to serve in America. He went directly, sign'd the indentures, was put into the ship, and came over, never writing a line to acquaint his friends what was become of him.”
- An indentation; a recess.“The narrow windows, flanked by deep indentures into the walls, seemed formed rather to exclude than to admit the cheerful light; and the heavy and gloomy appearance of the thunder-sky added still farther to the obscurity.”
verb
- To bind a person under such a contract.
- To indent; to make hollows, notches, or wrinkles in; to furrow.“Though age may creep on, and indenture the brow.”