Deed Indented

or INDENTURE.

SL.

Lat. carta indentata, or indentura; L. h»/a%t endent,^ In conveyancing. A deed executed or purporting to be executed in parts, between two or more parties, and distinguished by having the edge of the paper or parchment on which it is written, indented or cut at the top in a particular manner. This was formerly done at the top or side, in a line resembling the teeth {denies) of a saw; a formality derived from the ancient practice of dividing chirographs, (or deeds in parts;) but the cutting is now made either m a waving line, or more commonly by notching or nicking the paper at the edge.

2 Bl: Com. 295, 296.

Litt. sect.

370. Smith on Contracts, 12.

This formality of indenting is, however, very frequently omitted, although the term indenture itself is retained in daily use. See Indenture,