Pawnshop: meaning, definitions and examples
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pawnshop
[ ˈpɔnˌʃɑp ]
money lending
A pawnshop is a business that provides loans to individuals, using personal property as collateral. Customers can either redeem their items by paying back the loan, or the pawnshop retains ownership and sells the items if the loan is not repaid within a certain period.
Synonyms
collateral loan store, pawn dealer, pawnbroker.
Examples of usage
- I took my guitar to the pawnshop for a quick loan.
- She found a beautiful bracelet at the local pawnshop.
- He decided to sell his watch at the pawnshop.
- They offer low-interest loans at the pawnshop.
Translations
Translations of the word "pawnshop" in other languages:
🇵🇹 casa de penhores
🇮🇳 गहनों की दुकान
🇩🇪 Pfandleihe
🇮🇩 toko gadai
🇺🇦 ломбард
🇵🇱 komis
🇯🇵 質屋
🇫🇷 prêteur sur gages
🇪🇸 pawnbroker
🇹🇷 kefalet dükkânı
🇰🇷 전당포
🇸🇦 دكان الرهن
🇨🇿 zastavárna
🇸🇰 záložňa
🇨🇳 典当行
🇸🇮 zlata trgovina
🇮🇸 gullverslun
🇰🇿 заемхана
🇬🇪 პანდუსი
🇦🇿 pawnshop
🇲🇽 casa de empeño
Etymology
The word 'pawnshop' traces its origins to the late Middle Ages, derived from the Old French word 'pan', meaning 'a pledge'. This term reflects the fundamental nature of these establishments, where items of value are offered as security for a loan. The concept of pawnbroking has been prevalent for centuries, serving as an essential means of access to quick cash for people in need. In England, it became formally recognized in the 16th century, and establishments began to be regulated by law. Over time, pawnshops evolved and adapted to changing financial systems while continuing to serve the same fundamental purpose. Today, they are often characterized by a wide range of items available for sale or loan, from jewelry to electronics, maintaining their relevance in contemporary financial practices.