detain, pawn

押 is composed of the radical 手 (hand) and 甲 (tortoise shell, armor). 甲 is a pictograph of a tortoise shell, resembling a box or cage, implying closure or confinement. The hand can seize or restrain, so 押 means detention or confinement. Additionally, in ancient times, those detained often served as hostages, so 押 also carries the meaning of using property as a guarantee or pledge.