noun

1. anything given as security, as for a debt, performance of an action, etc.; pledge; guaranty
2. a hostage
3. the state of being pledged to put a ring in pawn
4. the act of pawning

Etymology: LME paun < MFr pan, piece of cloth < L pannus, cloth (? used as medium of exchange): see pane

transitive verb

1. to give as security; put in pawn
2. to stake, wager, or risk to pawn one's honor

noun

1. a chessman of the lowest value: it can be moved only forward and one square at a time (or two squares on its first move), but it captures with a diagonal move
2. a person used to advance another's purposes; tool

Etymology: ME poun < OFr peon < ML pedo (gen. pedonis), foot soldier < LL, one who has flat feet < L pes, foot