To set text or lines in from the margin, or to make a dent or notch in something.
From Latin 'indentare,' meaning to make tooth-like notches, combining 'in-' (into) and 'dens' (tooth). Originally referred to the serrated edges of official documents that could be matched for authentication.
Medieval contracts were often written in duplicate on the same parchment, then cut apart with a jagged 'indented' line - if the pieces fit together perfectly, the documents were authentic. This gave us both 'indent' and 'indenture.'
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.