n (chess) The most common chess piece, or a similar piece in a similar game. In chess each side has eight; moves are only forward, attacks are only forward diagonally or en passant.
n (colloquial) Someone who is being manipulated or used to some end, usually not the end that individual would prefer.
v (video games) To render one's opponent a mere pawn, especially in a real-time strategy games.
n The state of being held as security for a loan, or as a pledge.
n An instance of pawning something.
n (context|now|_|rare) An item given as security on a loan, or as a pledge.