Pignus

Pignus, a pledge or security for a debt or demand, is derived, says Gaius (Dig. 50, tit. 16, s. 238), from pugnus, 'quia qu' pignori dantur, man traduntur.' This is one of several instances of the failure of the Roman jurists when they attempted an etymological explanation of words. The element of pignus (pig) is contained in the word pa(n)go and its cognate forms. A pledge was called pignus when the possession of a thing was transferred to the pledgee, and hypotheca, when the pledgor retained it in his possession. See Sant. Just.; 2 Steph. Com.