from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
INDULGENCE. A favor granted.
2. It is a general rule that where a creditor gives indulgence, by
entering into a binding contract with a principal debtor, by which the
surety is or may be damnified, such surety is discharged, because the
creditor has put it out of his power to enforce immediate payment; when the
surety would have a right to require him to do so. 6 Dow, P. C. 238; 3
Mer. R. 272; Bac. Ab. Oblig. D; and see Giving Time.
3. But mere inaction by the creditor, if he do not deprive himself of
the right to sue the principal, does not in general discharge the surety.
See Forbearance.