Emily Dickinson Lexicon

PAWN, n. [D. pand; G. pfand; Sw. pant; Port. penhor; It. pegno; Sp. empeño; L. pignus. The sense may be that which is laid down or deposited.]

1. Something given or deposited as security for the payment of money borrowed; a pledge. Pawn is applied only to goods, chattels or money, and not to real estate. Men will not take pawns without use. – Bacon.
2. A pledge for the fulfillment of a promise. – Shak.
3. A common man at chess. [See Peon.] – Cowley. In pawn, at pawn, the state of being pledged. Sweet wife, my honor is at pawn. – Shak.