definitions

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.

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Nearby words

press the flesh, press time, press, freedom of the, 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 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for press-gang

press-gang

n.

1690s, from press (v.2) + gang (n.).

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper