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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Indenture \In*den"ture\, v. i.
To run or wind in and out; to be cut or notched; to indent.
--Heywood.
[1913 Webster]


Indenture \In*den"ture\ (?; 135), n. [OE. endenture, OF.
endenture, LL. indentura a deed in duplicate, with indented
edges. See the Note below. See {Indent}.]
[1913 Webster]
1. The act of indenting, or state of being indented.
[1913 Webster]

2. (Law) A mutual agreement in writing between two or more
parties, whereof each party has usually a counterpart or
duplicate, sometimes with the edges indented for purpose
of identification; sometimes in the pl., a short form for
{indentures of apprenticeship}, the contract by which a
youth is bound apprentice to a master.
[1913 Webster]

The law is the best expositor of the gospel; they
are like a pair of indentures: they answer in every
part. --C. Leslie.
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Note: Indentures were originally duplicates, laid together
and indented by a notched cut or line, or else written
on the same piece of parchment and separated by a
notched line so that the two papers or parchments
corresponded to each other. But indenting has gradually
become a mere form, and is often neglected, while the
writings or counterparts retain the name of indentures.
[1913 Webster]

3. Hence: A contract by which anyone is bound to service.
[PJC]


Indenture \In*den"ture\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Indentured}; p.
pr. & vb. n. {Indenturing}.]
[1913 Webster]
1. To indent; to make hollows, notches, or wrinkles in; to
furrow.
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Though age may creep on, and indenture the brow.
--Woty.
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2. To bind by indentures or written contract; as, to
indenture an apprentice.
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