Definition of pawn

pawnnoun

cầm đồ

/pɔːn//pɔːn/

The word "pawn" has its roots in the medieval European game of chess. In this game, a pawn was a minor piece, used by both players, and had specific rules of movement. The term "pawn" originated from the Old French word "pon," which translates to "five." This is because in an earlier form of chess, called "changhi," the pawns were moved five steps instead of the standard two or one. Over time, the use of the word "pon" extended beyond chess and came to mean something given as collateral or security for a loan, especially in the context of a game or other transaction where the item in question could be lost or forfeited. This definition of "pawn" is still commonly used today, particularly in the context of chess and other games, as well as in the context of pawn shops and related financial transactions.

namespace

a chess piece of the smallest size and least value. Each player has eight pawns at the start of a game.

một quân cờ có kích thước nhỏ nhất và giá trị nhỏ nhất Mỗi người chơi có tám con tốt khi bắt đầu trò chơi.

Example:
  • He had to sacrifice another pawn.

    Anh ta phải hy sinh một con tốt khác.

a person or group whose actions are controlled by more powerful people

một người hoặc một nhóm có hành động được kiểm soát bởi những người có quyền lực hơn

Example:
  • The hostages are being used as political pawns.

    Các con tin đang được sử dụng như những con tốt chính trị.

  • The prince became a pawn in the game of power politics.

    Hoàng tử trở thành con tốt trong trò chơi quyền lực chính trị.

Related words and phrases

All matches

Idioms

in pawn
if something is in pawn, it has been pawned
  • All her jewellery was in pawn.