01 One of certain public pawnbroking establishments which originated in Italy in the 15th century, the object of which was to lend money at a …
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One of certain public pawnbroking establishments which originated in Italy in the 15th century, the object of which was to lend money at a low rate of interest to poor people in need; -- called also mount of piety. The institution has been adopted in other countries, as in Spain and France. See Lombard-house. Also: mount of piety See: Lombard-house