A Quick and Simple Dictionary

pawn

1. Noun.  (chess) The most common chess piece, or a similar piece in a similar game. In chess each side has eight; moves are only forward, attacks are only forward diagonally or en passant.
2. Noun.  (colloquial) Someone who is being manipulated or used to some end, usually not the end that individual would prefer.
3. Verb.  (video games) To render one's opponent a mere pawn, especially in a real-time strategy games.
4. Noun.  The state of being held as security for a loan, or as a pledge.
5. Noun.  An instance of pawning something.
6. Noun.  (context, now) An item given as security on a loan, or as a pledge.
7. Noun.  (rare) A pawn shop, pawnbroker.
8. Verb.  To pledge; to stake or wager.
9. Verb.  To give as security on a loan of money; especially, to deposit (something) at a pawn shop.