First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1pawn
noun \ˈpȯn, ˈpän\
Definition of PAWN
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
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of PAWN
Middle English pown, from Anglo-French peoun, paun, from Medieval Latin pedon-, pedo foot soldier, from Latin ped-, pes foot — more at foot
2pawn
noun
Definition of PAWN
1
a : 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
Origin of PAWN
Middle English paun, from Middle French dialect (Walloon, Flanders) pan
First Known Use: 15th century
Other Legal Terms
3pawn
verb
: to give (something that you own) to a pawnbroker in exchange for money
Full Definition of PAWN
transitive verb
: to deposit in pledge or as security especially in exchange for money
— pawn·er \ˈpȯ-nər, ˈpä-\ also paw·nor \same or pȯ-ˈnȯr, pä-\ noun
See pawn defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of PAWN
circa 1566
Other Legal Terms
PAWN Defined for Kids
1pawn
noun \ˈpȯn\
Definition of PAWN for Kids
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
2pawn
verb
pawnedpawn·ing
Definition of PAWN for Kids
: to leave as a guarantee of repayment for a loan <He pawned a watch.>
Learn More About PAWN
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up pawn? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).