The following words and phrases used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless a different meaning clearly appears from the context:
INDIVIDUALLY IDENTIFIABLE ARTICLES: Nonjunk/scrap articles that are individually identifiable by a serial number, or other applied numbers, letters, characters or markings; or other unique features that serve to distinguish it from any other similar article and can be used to establish ownership of the article.
JUNK/SCRAP: Manufactured articles or parts that are nonprecious metals that have been discarded and are useful only as material for reprocessing or recycling.
LICENSEE: The owner, operator and all employees of a business licensed under this chapter.
PAWNBROKER: Every owner, operator or employee engaged in the business of receiving property in pledge or as security for money or other things advanced to the pawner or pledger shall be deemed to be a pawnbroker.
PRECIOUS METALS: Manufactured articles or parts consisting primarily of gold (chemical symbol Au), silver (chemical symbol Ag), platinum (chemical symbol Pt) or palladium (chemical symbol Pd), but not including articles merely plated with these materials or articles that are similar in color to these metals, but not actually consisting of them.
SECONDHAND DEALER: Every owner, operator or employee engaged in the business of the purchase, sale, trade or barter of secondhand articles, including, but not limited to, recyclable materials, scrap metal, electronics, video game systems, video games, video game accessories, jewelry, collectable coins, valuable and/or precious metals and stones, or household goods, shall be deemed to be a secondhand dealer, whether such dealer operates from a fixed storefront business, or is conducting business on a temporary, short term basis from a nonfixed location.
(1987 Code § 12-21)