Pawnbroker; also known as a pawnshop owner or a pawn dealer, is a person who lends money to individuals and accepts personal items as collateral. Some synonyms for the word "pawnbroker" include pledge broker, loan shark, and pawnshop operator. Other alternatives for the term include used goods dealer, asset lender, and collateral financier. The word "pawnbroker" itself is derived from the French term "pan" which translates into a piece of clothing used as a security deposit. Pawnbrokers have been a part of society for centuries, offering individuals a source of quick cash in exchange for cherished possessions.