pressgang

2 definitions found

pressgang - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Press \Press\, n. [For prest, confused with press.]
     A commission to force men into public service, particularly
     into the navy.
     [1913 Webster]
  
           I have misused the king's press.         --Shak.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Press gang, or Pressgang, a detachment of seamen under
        the command of an officer empowered to force men into the
        naval service. See Impress gang, under Impress.
  
     Press money, money paid to a man enlisted into public
        service. See Prest money, under Prest, a.
        [1913 Webster]

  Pressgang \Press"gang`\, n.
     See Press gang, under Press.
     [1913 Webster]