Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Pawn \Pawn\, n. [OF. pan pledge, assurance, skirt, piece, F. pan
   skirt, lappet, piece, from L. pannus. See {Pane}.]
   1. Anything delivered or deposited as security, as for the
      payment of money borrowed, or of a debt; a pledge. See
      {Pledge}, n., 1.

            As for mortgaging or pawning, . . . men will not
            take pawns without use [i. e., interest]. --Bacon.

   2. State of being pledged; a pledge for the fulfillment of a
      promise. [R.]

            Redeem from broking pawn the blemish'd crown.
                                                  --Shak.

            As the morning dew is a pawn of the evening fatness.
                                                  --Donne.

   3. A stake hazarded in a wager. [Poetic]

            My life I never held but as a pawn To wage against
            thy enemies.                          --Shak.

   {In pawn}, {At pawn}, in the state of being pledged. ``Sweet
      wife, my honor is at pawn.'' --Shak.

   {Pawn ticket}, a receipt given by the pawnbroker for an
      article pledged.