v. & n.
v.tr. 1 deposit an object, esp. with a pawnbroker, as security for money lent. 2 pledge or wager (one's life, honour, word, etc.).
n. 1 an object left as security for money etc. lent. 2 anything or any person left with another as security etc. in (or at) pawn (of an object etc.) held as security.
[ ME f. OF pan, pand, pant, pledge, security f. WG ]