term:

Indenture

indenture n

[Old French endenture an indented document, from endenter to indent (divide a document into sections with irregular edges that can be matched for authentication), from en- thoroughly + dent tooth]
1 : a document stating the terms under which a security (as a debenture or other bond) is issued
;specif
in bankruptcy law
: a document (as a mortgage or deed of trust) under which there is outstanding security constituting a claim against a debtor, a claim secured by a lien on any of the debtor's property, or an equity security of the debtor
2 : a deed or other document to which two or more parties (as both grantor and grantee) are bound

Source: Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©1996. Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.