loan contract issued by a company or public body specifying an obligation to return borrowed funds and pay interest, secured by all or part of the company's property. Certificates specifying the amount of stock, with coupons for interest attached, are usually issued to the lenders. The interests of the stockholders may be protected by a trust deed naming a trustee who acts on behalf of the stockholders and against whom they actually have claim. In case of default, the debenture holder may appoint a receiver to seize and realize assets and repay the money secured. Compare bond.