Pawn

Pawn (pa̤n), n. See Pan, the masticatory.

Pawn, n. [OE. paune, poun, OF. peon, poon, F. pion, LL. pedo a foot soldier, fr. L. pes, pedis, foot. See Foot, and cf. Pioneer, Peon.] (Chess) A man or piece of the lowest rank.

Pawn, n. [OF. pan pledge, assurance, skirt, piece, F. pan skirt, lappet, piece, from L. pannus. See Pane.] 1. Anything delivered or deposited as security, as for the payment of money borrowed, or of a debt; a pledge. See Pledge, n., 1.

As for mortgaging or pawning, . . . men will not take pawns without use [i. e., interest]. Bacon.

2. State of being pledged; a pledge for the fulfillment of a promise. [R.]

Redeem from broking pawn the blemish'd crown. Shak.

As the morning dew is a pawn of the evening fatness. Donne.

3. A stake hazarded in a wager. [Poetic]

My life I never held but as a pawn To wage against thy enemies. Shak.

In pawn, At pawn, in the state of being pledged. "Sweet wife, my honor is at pawn." Shak. — Pawn ticket, a receipt given by the pawnbroker for an article pledged.

Pawn, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Pawned; p. pr. & vb. n. Pawning.] 1. To give or deposit in pledge, or as security for the payment of money borrowed; to put in pawn; to pledge; as, to pawn one's watch.

And pawned the last remaining piece of plate. Dryden.

2. To pledge for the fulfillment of a promise; to stake; to risk; to wager; to hazard.

Pawning his honor to obtain his lust. Shak.