də̇ˈbenchə(r), dēˈ- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English debentur, from Latin, they are due, 3d person plural present passive of debēre to owe — more at debt
1. : a writing or certificate signed by a public officer as evidence of a debt or of a right to demand or receive a sum of money: as
a. : a voucher from a government official certifying a sum of money to be due to a person (as for stores supplied to the ordnance department)
b. : a customhouse certificate entitling an exporter of imported goods to a drawback of duties paid on their importation
c. : an instrument issued as evidence of debt by a government on the security of the public assets or credit
2.
a. Britain : a security issued by a company other than its shares : bond
b. or debenture bond : a bond usually secured by an indenture containing protective provisions but without a specific lien on any asset — now the usual United States use; distinguished from mortgage bond ; compare bond III 5b