debenture Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the ability of a customer to obtain goods or services before payment, based on the trust that payment will be made in the future
    unsecured bond; debenture bond.
  2. noun a certificate or voucher acknowledging a debt

WordNet

De*ben"ture noun
Etymology
L. debentur they are due, fr. debere to owe; cf. F. debentur. So called because these receipts began with the words Debentur mihi.
Definitions
  1. A writing acknowledging a debt; a writing or certificate signed by a public officer, as evidence of a debt due to some person; the sum thus due.
  2. A customhouse certificate entitling an exporter of imported goods to a drawback of duties paid on their importation. Burrill. It is applied in England to deeds of mortgage given by railway companies for borrowed money; also to municipal and other bonds and securities for money loaned.

Webster 1913