pawn
|pawn|
B2
/pɔːn/
pledge or chess piece
Etymology
Etymology Information
'pawn' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'pan,' where 'pan' meant 'pledge.'
Historical Evolution
'pan' changed from Old French word 'pan' and eventually became the modern English word 'pawn'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'pledge or security,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'chess piece' and 'person used by others'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a chess piece of the smallest size and value, typically moved one square forward at a time.
The pawn moved forward to capture the opponent's piece.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a person used by others for their own purposes.
He felt like a pawn in the company's larger strategy.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/21 06:37