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Meaning of pawn
The primary meaning of the word "pawn" is a person or thing used as a substitute or hostage.
Etymology of pawn
The word "pawn" originated from the Old French word "pan," meaning "pledge" or "security," which is derived from the Latin word "pignus," also meaning "pledge"
Historically, the term "pawn" was used to describe a person or item held as collateral for a debt or loan, and its usage has evolved to include the chess piece and the concept of using someone as a substitute or tool
Synonyms
dupe
hostage
captive
prisoner
victim
tool
instrument
agent
intermediary
intermediary
proxy
substitute
deputy
representative
agent
broker
intermediary
mediator
middleman
negotiator
go-between
catspaw
creature
instrument
plaything
toy
manipulated person
manipulated individual
manipulated entity
manipulated being
manipulated creature
Definitions
- A person used by others for their own purposes, typically in a way that is unfair or dishonest
- A chess piece of the lowest rank, which can be exchanged for a more valuable piece if it reaches the opposite side of the board
- A person or thing given or held as security for something, especially for a loan
Usage Examples
- The company used its employees as pawns in a game of corporate politics
- The pawn shop accepted her jewelry as collateral for a loan
- In the game of chess, the pawns are the foot soldiers that can be sacrificed to protect more valuable pieces