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press gang
or pressgang
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noun
a body of persons under the command of an officer, formerly employed to impress others for service, especially in the navy or army.
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Origin of press gang
First recorded in 1685–95
Words nearby press gang
presser, presser foot, press fastener, press fit, press gallery, press gang, pressie, pressing, pressing plant, press into service, press kit
Other definitions for press gang (2 of 2)
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.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use press gang in a sentence
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
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