press gang

¹

or pressgang

noun

1. a body of persons under the command of an officer, formerly employed to impress others for service, especially in the navy or army.

press-gang

²

[ pres-gang ]

verb (used with object)

1. to force (a person) into military or naval service.
2. to coerce (a person) into taking a certain action, political stand, etc.:

   to be press-ganged into endorsing a candidate.

press gang

noun

1. (formerly) a detachment of men used to press civilians for service in the navy or army

verb

1. to force (a person) to join the navy or army by a press gang
2. to induce (a person) to perform a duty by forceful persuasion

   his friends press-ganged him into joining the committee

Word History and Origins

Origin of press gang¹

First recorded in 1685–95

Example Sentences

In this particular fight several men were killed and wounded, and the press-gang thought it best to let the Eliza alone.

From Project Gutenberg

None foresaw that the day would come when a British press gang would seize free citizens in this same harbor.

From Project Gutenberg

Moritz of Dessau had a terrible Winter of it, organizing and breaking in these Saxon people,—got by press-gang in this way.

From Project Gutenberg

Sennit was then on his way to Barbadoes, however, nor do I believe your master of a press-gang ever does much before an enemy.

From Project Gutenberg

In the time of the press-gang a crowd was seen approaching some cottages.

From Project Gutenberg