Pawn

/pɔːn/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A chess piece of the smallest size, which can only move forward one square at a time, except on its first move when it may move two squares.

He moved his pawn two spaces forward to control the center of the board.

A person used by others for their own purposes; a dupe.

In the political game, he felt like a pawn, manipulated by those in power.

An item of personal property that is deposited as security for a loan.

She decided to pawn her grandmother's ring to get quick cash.

verb

To deposit an item as security for a loan.

He had to pawn his guitar to pay rent this month.

Middle English 'paun', from Old French 'pond', from Latin 'pawnus', denoting a foot soldier.

pawn in the game:

Someone who is being used by others for their own purposes.

pawn shop:

A shop where items are sold or accepted as security for loans.

A person who is easily manipulated.

He’s just a pawn in their corporate games.

Something of no real importance.

This project is a pawn in the larger agenda.