pawn etymology

Etymology

The word "pawn" originates from the Old French word "paon," meaning "peacock."

Meaning and Origin

In the 15th century, the term "pawn" was first used in the context of chess. In the game, pawns represented the infantry, the most expendable and numerous pieces. The name "pawn" was likely adopted due to the resemblance between the chess piece and the inflated tail feathers of a peacock.

Over time, the word "pawn" came to be used in various contexts beyond chess. Here are some of its common meanings:

• Chess piece: The smallest and weakest piece, which can only move forward.
• Pledge: A valuable item deposited as a guarantee for a loan.
• Unimportant person: Someone who is used or manipulated by others.
• Prisoner or hostage: A person taken captive or held for leverage.

The use of "pawn" to refer to a chess piece and a pledge likely stems from the common concept of a valuable asset being placed at risk or used as a bargaining chip. Similarly, the usage of "pawn" to describe a person who is easily manipulated or exploited reflects the idea of a vulnerable and disposable individual.

pawn relate terms

• pawnbroker

  Etymology The term pawnbroker is derived from the Old French word paumier which mean

• pawn

  Etymology The word pawn originates from the Old French word paon meaning peacock

• broker

  Etymology The word broker comes from the Old French word brocour which is derived fr

• pawnshop

  Etymology The term pawnshop is derived from the Middle English word paun meaning p

• pawn

  Etymology The word pawn originates from the Old French word paon meaning peacock

• shop

  Etymology The word shop originates from the Old English term scopp which means she

• peon

  Etymology The origin of the word peon is uncertain but there are several proposed et

• pioneer

  Etymology and Origin of Pioneer Etymology ultimately from Old French pionier from t

• hypothecate

  Etymology The word hypothecate comes from the Ancient Greek word hupothēkē which m

• lumber

  Etymology The word lumber is derived from the Middle English word lomber which in t

• hock

  Etymology The word hock has several possible etymological origins Old English hoh

• gambit

  Etymology The word gambit comes from the Italian phrase dare il gambetto which lite

• instrument

  Etymology The word instrument comes from the Latin word instrumentum which means t

• pledge

  Etymology The word pledge comes from the Old English word plegg meaning a pledge

• consign

  Etymology Middle English conseyne conseinen from Anglo Norman French consigner Lati