indenture

Etymology

From Anglo-Norman endenture, from Old French endenteure, from endenter (“to dent”). The name of the contract derives from the irregular dent-shaped cut (indentation) used to prove the authenticity of the two parts, similar to a chirograph.

noun

1. (law) A contract which binds a person to work for another, under specified conditions, for a specified time (often as an apprentice).
2. (law, often in the plural) A document, written as duplicates separated by indentations, specifying such a contract.
   For the next two years, Ann's position in the family grew to be more and more that of a daughter. If it had not been for the indentures lying serenely in that tall wooden desk, she would almost have forgotten, herself, that she was a bound girl. 1886, Mary E. Wilkins, The Adventures of Ann
3. An indentation; a recess.

verb

1. (law) To bind a person under such a contract.
2. To indent; to make hollows, notches, or wrinkles in; to furrow.
   Though age may creep on, and indenture the brow.