indent1

 

verb

Pronunciation: /ɪnˈdɛnt/
[with object]
  • 1start (a line of text) or position (a block of text) further from the margin than the main part of the text: type a paragraph of text and indent the first line
  • 2form deep recesses or notches in (a line or surface): a coastline indented by many fjords
  • 3 [no object] British make a requisition or written order for something: we were indenting for paper clips one by one in those days
  • 4 historical divide (a document drawn up in duplicate) into its two copies with a zigzag line, thus ensuring identification and preventing forgery.
  • draw up (a legal document) in exact duplicate.

noun

Pronunciation: /ˈɪndɛnt/
  • 1British an official order or requisition for goods: Hawthorn refused to approve the indent for silk scarves
  • 2a space left by indenting text: six-character indents
  • 3an indentation: every indent in the coastline
  • 4an indenture.

Derivatives

indentor

noun

Origin:

late Middle English (as a verb in the sense 'give a zigzag outline to, divide by a zigzag line'): from Anglo-Norman French endenter or medieval Latin indentare, from en-, in- 'into' + Latin dens, dent- 'tooth'