PAWN, noun [Latin pignus.] 1. Something given or deposited as security for the payment of money borrowed; a pledge. pawn is applied only to goods, chattels or money, and not to real estate. Men will not take pawns without use. 2. A pledge for the fulfillment of a promise. 3. A common man at chess. [See Peon.] In pawn at pawn the state of being pledged. Sweet wife, my honor is at pawn PAWN, verb transitive [Latin pignero.] 1. To give or deposit in pledge, or as security for the payment of money borrowed; to pledge; as, she pawned the last piece of plate. 2. To pledge for the fulfillment of a promise; as, to pawn one's word or honor that an agreement shall be fulfilled. PAWN'-BROKER, noun One who lends money on pledge or the deposit of goods.
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI