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v. in·dent·ed, in·dent·ing, in·dents v.tr. 1. To set (the first line of a paragraph, for example) in from the margin. 2. a. 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. b. To draw up (a document) in duplicate or triplicate. 3. a. To notch or serrate the edge of; make jagged. b. To make notches, grooves, or holes in (wood, for example) for the purpose of mortising. c. To fit or join together by or as if by mortising. 4. Chiefly British To order (goods) by purchase order or official requisition. v.intr. 1. To make or form an indentation. 2. Chiefly British To draw up or order an indent. n. (ĭn-dĕnt, ĭndĕnt′) 1. The act of indenting or the condition of being indented. 2. A blank space before the beginning of an indented line: a two-pica indent. 3. An indenture. 4. A US certificate issued at the close of the American Revolution for interest due on the public debt. 5. Chiefly British An official requisition or purchase order for goods. [Middle English endenten, to notch, from Anglo-Norman and Old French endenter, both from Medieval Latin indentāre : Latin in-, in; see IN-2 + Latin dēns, dent-, tooth; see dent- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
tr.v. in·dent·ed, in·dent·ing, in·dents To impress (a design, for example); stamp. n. (ĭn-dĕnt, ĭndĕnt′) An indentation. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.
