indenture
    n 1: a concave cut into a surface or edge (as in a coastline)
         [syn: indentation, indenture]
    2: formal agreement between the issuer of bonds and the
       bondholders as to terms of the debt
    3: a contract binding one party into the service of another for
       a specified term
    4: the space left between the margin and the start of an
       indented line [syn: indentation, indention, indent,
       indenture]
    v 1: bind by or as if by indentures, as of an apprentice or
         servant; "an indentured servant" [syn: indenture,
         indent]

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.
      [1913 Webster]

INDENTURE, conveyancing. An instrument of writing containing a conveyance or 
contract between two or more persons, usually indented or cut unevenly, or 
in and out, on the top or, side. 
     2. Formerly it was common to make two instruments exactly alike, and it 
was then usual to write both on the same parchment, with some words or 
letters written between them, through which the parchment was cut, either in 
a straight or indented line, in such a manner as to leave one-half of the 
word on one part, and half on the other. The instrument usually commences 
with these words, "This indenture," which were not formerly sufficient, 
unless the parchment or paper was actually indented to make an indenture 5 
Co. 20; but now, if the form of indenting the parchment be wanting, it may 
be supplied by being done in court, this being mere form. Besides, it would 
be exceedingly difficult with even the most perfect instruments, to out 
parchment or paper without indenting it. Vide Bac. Ab. Leases, &c. E 2; Com. 
Dig. Fait, C, and note d; Litt. sec. 370; Co. Litt. 143 b, 229 a; Cruise, 
Dig t. 32, c. 1, s. 24; 2 Bl. Com. 294; 1 Sess. Cas. 222.