persons who came to America and were placed under
contract to
work for another over a
period of
time, usually seven years, especially during the 17th to 19th centuries. Generally, indentured servants included those who
paid for passage to America by a stipulated
period of
service as an indentured servant, victims o f
religious or political persecution, persons kidnapped for the
purpose, convicts and paupers.
—9th ACC Volume 2 Approved Glossary