Pawning means using an item you own as collateral to borrow money. You give the item to a pawnbroker, who lends you cash and holds the item as security. You must repay the loan (plus any interest) within the agreed period to get the item back. If the loan isn’t repaid in time, the pawnbroker keeps or sells the item to recover the loan. Key points:

• Purpose: immediate cash without permanently selling the item.
• Common items: jewelry, electronics, tools, or other valuables.
• Risk: potential loss of the item if the loan isn’t repaid.

Alternative meanings:

• As a verb in phrases like “pawn off” or “pawn something off,” it can mean to pass off something (often dishonestly or more than its worth) to someone else, or to offload something onto another person. This usage is informal and can carry a negative connotation.

If you’re considering pawning something, check local laws on interest rates and redemption periods, compare offers from different shops, and be clear about the terms for reclaiming your item.