Entry Word: pawn

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 one that is or can be used to further the purposes of another <she disliked being a pawn in her friendsʼ power games>

Synonyms puppet, tool

Related Words chump, dupe, foil, gull, sucker, victim; minion, stooge; yes-man

2 something given or held to assure that the giver will keep a promise <offered her license as a pawn that she would bring back the rental canoe> — see pledge 1