Trust indenture
Trust indenture: A contract between an issuer of bonds or other debt securities and a trustee who acts for the bondholders. The Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C. § 77aaa et seq.) requires a qualified, independent trustee for most publicly offered debt securities; it does not apply to securities issued without an indenture.

What trust indenture means
In practice, you will see trust indenture in pleadings, motions, orders and court rules. The definition above explains the general meaning. Even so, the meaning can shift with context. Therefore, always read it alongside the rule or document where it appears.
Where trust indenture comes up
The term is used across many kinds of cases. For example, you may see it in pleadings, motions and court orders. To see it in context, browse the motions and procedures library or the Learn the Law topics.
How to research the term
Start with the primary source. For example, if trust indenture appears in a federal rule, read the rule itself and its official notes. After that, check your court’s local rules and any standing orders from the judge. In addition, search recent decisions from your own state or federal district. They show how courts read trust indenture in practice. Because state rules often differ, our state procedures guide links to each state’s official rules. Above all, make sure the version you read is still in force.
You can read the current federal court rules online for free.
Related legal terms
- Treaty: a formal agreement between the United States and one or more foreign nations, made by the President with the advice and consent of two-thirds of the Senate (art.
- Trial by jury: the right to have a jury decide the facts.
- Tribunal: a court or other body with authority to hear and decide disputes, such as an administrative agency or an arbitration panel.
- Trust: a legal arrangement in which a trustee holds property for the benefit of one or more beneficiaries under terms set by the settlor.
Why precise terms matter
Courts read legal terms closely. As a result, knowing the exact meaning of a word helps you follow orders, rules and filings. Each glossary entry on Lawtopolis is short on purpose and links to the pages where the term is used.
Sources
Sources last reviewed: 2026-10-24
Lawtopolis provides legal information and education, not legal advice. Using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws and court rules vary by jurisdiction and change over time; verify every authority against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction about your situation.
