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Simple English definitions for legal terms
indent
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A quick definition of indent:
An indent is a type of document that was used in the past to show an agreement between two or more parties. It was written on a piece of parchment that was cut in a zigzag pattern, so each party had a copy that fit together like a puzzle. This made it hard to forge or change the document. An indent could be a certificate of debt, a contract, or a deed. Nowadays, indents are not used anymore, but some legal terms still refer to them, like "indenture" or "indentured servant."
A more thorough explanation:
Indent is a term used in legal documents and refers to a type of certificate of indebtedness issued by the U.S. government or a state government in the late 18th or early 19th century. It can also refer to a contract or deed in writing.
Indent can also be used as a verb, meaning:
- To cut in a serrated or wavy line, especially to create multiple copies of a document, each fitting into the angles of the other.
- To agree by contract.
- To bind a person by contract.
An example of an indent is a certificate of indebtedness issued by the U.S. government or a state government in the late 18th or early 19th century.
Another example of an indent is a formal written instrument made by two or more parties with different interests, traditionally having the edges serrated, or indented, in a zigzag fashion to reduce the possibility of forgery and to distinguish it from a deed poll.
An example of indent as a verb is when two parties agree by contract to a certain set of terms and conditions.
The examples illustrate the definition of indent as a type of certificate of indebtedness or a formal written instrument made by two or more parties with different interests. The verb form of indent is illustrated by the example of two parties agreeing by contract to a certain set of terms and conditions.