noun
plural pawns
[count] one of the eight small pieces that have the least value in the game of chess - see picture at chess
a person or group that does not have much power and that is controlled by a more powerful person or group - usually + in
verb
pawns; pawned; pawning
[+ obj] :to give (something that you own) to a pawnbroker in exchange for money
pawn off
[phrasal verb]
pawn (something) off or pawn off (something) US informal
to sell (something) for more than it is worth by being dishonest about it
to get someone to accept or do (something)
US