pawn

noun (1)

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\ ˈpȯn

, ˈpän \

Definition of pawn

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : one of the chessmen of least value having the power to move only forward ordinarily one square at a time, to capture only diagonally forward, and to be promoted to any piece except a king upon reaching the eighth rank

2 : one that can be used to further the purposes of another

pawn

noun (2)

Definition of pawn (Entry 2 of 3)

1a : something delivered to or deposited with another as security for a loan

b : hostage

2 : the state of being pledged

3 : something used as a pledge : guaranty

4 : the act of pawning

pawn

verb

pawned; pawning; pawns

Definition of pawn (Entry 3 of 3)

transitive verb

: to deposit in pledge or as security especially in exchange for money

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Other Words from pawn

Verb

pawner \ ˈpȯ-nər

, ˈpä- \ or less commonly pawnor \ ˈpȯ-nər

, ˈpä- ; pȯ-ˈnȯr , pä- \ noun

Synonyms for pawn

Synonyms: Verb

hock,
pledge

Examples of pawn in a Sentence

Verb She was forced to pawn her diamond ring. he pawned his antique watch in order to pay off his gambling debt

History and Etymology for pawn

Noun (1)

Middle English pown, from Anglo-French peoun, paun, from Medieval Latin pedon-, pedo foot soldier, from Latin ped-, pes foot — more at foot

Noun (2)

Middle English paun, from Middle French dialect (Walloon, Flanders) pan

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Cite this Entry

“Pawn.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pawn. Accessed 19 Jun. 2021.

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More Definitions for pawn

pawn

verb

English Language Learners Definition of pawn

: to give (something that you own) to a pawnbroker in exchange for money

See the full definition for pawn in the English Language Learners Dictionary

pawn

noun

\ ˈpȯn

Kids Definition of pawn

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : the piece of least value in the game of chess

2 : a person who has little power and is controlled by a more powerful person or group

pawn

verb

pawned; pawning

Kids Definition of pawn (Entry 2 of 2)

: to leave as a guarantee of repayment for a loan He pawned a watch.

pawn

noun

\ ˈpȯn

Legal Definition of pawn

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : a pledge and transfer of possession of movable or personal property to a creditor which gives the creditor the privilege of satisfying the debt from the property (as by selling it) if the debt is not repaid within a specified time also : the property pledged shall not take as a pawn any workman's tools — compare antichresis

b : the state of being so pledged or burdened by such a pledge goods held in pawn

2 : the act of pawning

pawn

transitive verb

Legal Definition of pawn (Entry 2 of 2)

: to put (personal or movable property) in pawn when it is redeemed by the person who pawned it — compare hypothecate