an article deposited as security

a person used by another to gain an end

[ Syn: instrument , cats-paw ]

(chess) the least powerful piece; moves only forward and captures only to the side; it can be promoted to a more powerful piece if it reaches the 8th rank

borrowing and leaving an article as security for repayment of the loan

leave as a guarantee in return for money; pawn your grandfathers gold watch

[ Syn: soak , hock ]