pawnbroking

[ pawn-broh-king ]

noun

1. the business of a pawnbroker.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pawnbroking¹

First recorded in 1805–15; pawnbrok(er) + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Grissy—he's my friend—Grissy says pawnbroking is only a more vulgar form of banking.

From Project Gutenberg

She is the daughter of a second-hand bookseller called Norman, and I believe he combines selling books with pawnbroking.

From Project Gutenberg

Bart sold those, but from all accounts he was a Shylock when dealing, after seven o'clock, in the pawnbroking way.

From Project Gutenberg

The pawnbroking expression was remarkably apparent for a moment in Mrs. Wolfstein's eyes.

From Project Gutenberg

And I am not certain that pawnbroking in England is not as bad a business as drink-selling.

From Project Gutenberg