pawn
1to deposit as security, as for money borrowed, especially with a pawnbroker: He raised the money by pawning his watch.
the state of being deposited or held as security, especially with or by a pawnbroker: jewels in pawn.
something given or deposited as security, as for money borrowed.
a person serving as security; hostage.
the act of pawning.
Origin of pawn
1Other words for pawn
Other words from pawn
- pawn·a·ble, adjective
- pawn·er [paw-ner], /ˈpɔ nər/, paw·nor [paw-ner, -nawr], /ˈpɔ nər, -nɔr/, noun
- un·pawned, adjective
Other definitions for pawn (2 of 2)
Chess. one of eight men of one color and of the lowest value, usually moved one square at a time vertically and capturing diagonally.
someone who is used or manipulated to further another person's purposes.
Origin of pawn
2Other words for pawn
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for pawn (1 of 2)
/ (pɔːn) /
to deposit (an article) as security for the repayment of a loan, esp from a pawnbroker
to stake: to pawn one's honour
an article deposited as security
the condition of being so deposited (esp in the phrase in pawn)
a person or thing that is held as a security, esp a hostage
the act of pawning
Origin of pawn
1Derived forms of pawn
- pawnage, noun
British Dictionary definitions for pawn (2 of 2)
/ (pɔːn) /
a chessman of the lowest theoretical value, limited to forward moves of one square at a time with the option of two squares on its initial move: it captures with a diagonal move only: Abbreviation: P Compare piece (def. 12)
a person, group, etc, manipulated by another
Origin of pawn
2Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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