noun
public pawn shop
A pawn shop operated by a public entity, often with lower interest rates and a social welfare purpose.
戦前、多くの都市に公益質屋が設立された。
Before the war, public pawn shops were established in many cities.
A regular private pawn shop, while 公益質屋 is a public or social-welfare-oriented pawn shop.
Compound of 公益 (public welfare) and 質屋 (pawn shop).