press-gang
[ pres-gang ]
/ ˈprɛsˌgæŋ /
verb (used with object)
to force (a person) into military or naval service.
to coerce (a person) into taking a certain action, political stand, etc.: to be press-ganged into endorsing a candidate.
Nearby words
press stud, press the flesh, press time, press-agentry, press-back, press-gang, press-up, pressboard, pressboxer, pressburg, pressburger
Definition for press-gang (2 of 2)
press gang
or press·gang
noun
a body of persons under the command of an officer, formerly employed to impress others for service, especially in the navy or army.
Origin of press gang
First recorded in 1685–95
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for press-gang
British Dictionary definitions for press-gang
press gang
noun
(formerly) a detachment of men used to press civilians for service in the navy or army
verb press-gang (tr)
to force (a person) to join the navy or army by a press gang
to induce (a person) to perform a duty by forceful persuasionhis friends press-ganged him into joining the committee
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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