What does indentured mean?
The term 'indentured' refers to the practice of binding or obliging someone to work for a fixed period in return for their passage to a country. This practice was often associated with exploitation and was commonly used in the 19th century to bring workers to the Caribbean to work on sugar plantations. The term is often used in historical or academic contexts to describe this practice, which was abolished in many countries in the early 20th century. The term is not commonly used in everyday conversation, but it is an important part of understanding the history of labor and migration. The practice of indenturing was often associated with poor working conditions and low wages, and it was seen as a form of exploitation by many people. Today, the term 'indentured' is often used to describe similar practices of exploitation, and it is an important part of understanding the complexities of labor and migration.
verbTo bind or oblige someone to work for a fixed period in return for their passage to a country, often under conditions of exploitation.
- To bind or oblige someone to work for a fixed period in return for their passage to a country, often under conditions of exploitation.
"Many Indians were indentured to work on sugar plantations in the Caribbean during the 19th century."
"Many Indians were indentured to work on sugar plantations in the Caribbean during the 19th century."
"The practice of indenturing was abolished in many countries in the early 20th century."
The plural form 'indentureds' is used to describe multiple people who have been indentured.
"Many indentureds were brought to the Caribbean to work on sugar plantations during the 19th century."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of indentured
The term 'indentured' comes from the verb 'indent', which means to bind or oblige someone to a contract. The term 'indenture' refers to a contract or agreement that binds someone to work for a fixed period. The term 'indentured' has its roots in the 17th century, when the practice of binding workers to contracts was first used in England. The term was later used in other countries, including the Caribbean, where it was used to describe the practice of binding workers to contracts on sugar plantations.
How indentured is actually used
The term 'indentured' is often used in historical or academic contexts to describe the practice of binding workers to contracts. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation.