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pawn2

Pronunciation: /pɔːn/

Definition of pawn

[with object]

deposit (an object) with a pawnbroker as security for money lent:I pawned the necklace to cover the loan

archaic

an object left as security for money lent: the bank did lend money upon pawns at low interest

Phrases

in pawn: (of an object) held as security by a pawnbroker: our money was gone and everything was in pawn

pawn someone/thing off: pass off someone or something unwanted:newly industrialized economies are racing to pawn off old processes on poorer countries

late 15th century (as a noun): from Old French pan 'pledge, security', of West Germanic origin; related to Dutch pand and German Pfand

Definition of pawn in the US English dictionary

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