in·dent
1 (ĭn-dĕnt́)
[Middle English endenten, to notch, from Anglo-Norman, Old French endenter, both from Medieval Latin indentāre, Latin in-, in; see in–2, + Latin dēns, dent-, tooth.]
verb: -dent·ed, -dent·ing, -dents.
transitive verb
- To set (the first line of a paragraph, for example) in from the margin.
- To cut or tear (a document with two or more copies) along an irregular line so that the parts can later be matched for establishing authenticity.
- To draw up (a document) in duplicate or triplicate.
- To notch or serrate the edge of; make jagged.
- To make notches, grooves, or holes in (wood, for example) for the purpose of mortising.
- To fit or join together by or as if by mortising.
- Chiefly British To order (goods) by purchase order or official requisition.
intransitive verb
- To make or form an indentation.
- Chiefly British To draw up or order an indent.
noun
- The act of indenting or the condition of being indented.
- A blank space before the beginning of an indented line: a two-pica indent.
- An indenture.
- A U.S. certificate issued at the close of the American Revolution for interest due on the public debt.
- Chiefly British An official requisition or purchase order for goods.
in·dent
2 (ĭn-dĕnt́)
transitive verb: -dent·ed, -dent·ing, -dents.
- To impress (a design, for example); stamp.
noun
- An indentation.