INDEFINITE, NUMBER. A number which may be increased or diminished at pleasure.

2. When a corporation is composed of an indefinite number of persons, any number of them consisting of a majority of those present may do any act unless it be otherwise regulated by the charter or by-laws. See Definite number.

INDEFINITE PAYMENT, contracts. That which a debtor¹ who owes several debts to a creditor², makes without making an appropriation³; (q. v.) in that case the creditor has a right to make such appropriation.

INDEMNITY⁴. That which is given to a person to prevent his suffering damage. 2 McCord, 279. Sometimes it signifies diminution⁵; a tenant⁶ who has been interrupted in the enjoyment⁷ of his lease may require an indemnity from the lessor, that is, a reduction of his rent.

2. It is a rule established in all just governments that, when private property is required for public, use, indemnity shall be given by the public to the owner. This is the case in the United States. See Code Civil, art. 545. See Damnification.

3. Contracts made for the purpose of indemnifying a person for doing an act for which he could be indicted⁸, or an agreement to, compensate⁹ a public officer for doing an act which is forbidden by law, or omitting to do one which the law commands, are absolutely void. But when the agreement with an officer was not to induce him to neglect his duty, but to test a legal right, as to indemnify him for not executing an execution, it was held to be good. 1 Bouv. Inst. n. 780.

INDENTURE¹⁰, conveyancing. An instrument of writing containing a conveyance¹¹ or contract between two or more persons, usually indented¹² or cut unevenly¹³, or in and out, on the top or, side.

2. Formerly¹⁴ it was common to make two instruments exactly alike, and it was then usual to write both on the same parchment, with some words or letters written between them, through which the parchment was cut, either in a straight or indented line, in such a manner as to leave one-half of the word on one part, and half on the other. The instrument usually commences with these words, "This indenture," which were not formerly sufficient, unless the parchment or paper was actually indented to make an indenture 5 Co. 20; but now, if the form of indenting¹⁵ the parchment be wanting, it may be supplied by being done in court, this being mere¹⁶ form. Besides, it would be exceedingly difficult with even the most perfect instruments, to out parchment or paper without indenting it. Vide Bac. Ab. Leases, &c. E 2; Com. Dig. Fait, C, and note d; Litt. sec. 370; Co. Litt. 143 b, 229 a; Cruise, Dig t. 32, c. 1, s. 24; 2 Bl. Com. 294; 1 Sess. Cas. 222.