v., -dent·ed, -dent·ing, -dents. v.tr.
- 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.
- To make or form an indentation.
- Chiefly British. To draw up or order an indent.
- 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.
[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.]
in·dent2 (ĭn-dĕnt')
tr.v., -dent·ed, -dent·ing, -dents.
To impress (a design, for example); stamp.
n. (ĭn-dĕnt', ĭn'dĕnt')
An indentation.
