<p><strong>verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used with object) to deposit as security, as for money borrowed, especially with a pawnbroker: He raised the money by pawning his watch.</li><li>to pledge; stake; risk: to pawn one's life.</li></ul><p><strong>noun</strong></p><ul><li>the state of being deposited or held as security, especially with or by a pawnbroker: jewels in pawn.</li><li>something given or deposited as security, as for money borrowed.</li><li>a person serving as security; hostage.</li><li>the act of pawning.</li></ul>