PAWN

pawn,n.1. An item of personal property deposited as security for a debt; a pledge or guarantee. • In modern usage, the term is usu. restricted to the pledge of jewels and other personal chattels to pawnbrokers as security for a small loan. 2. The act of depositing personal property in this manner. 3. The condition of being held on deposit as a pledge. Cf. BAILMENT. 4. PIGNUS (1). — pawn,vb.

[Blacks Law 8th]