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.
pressgang
-
a variation of
press gang.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He apparently expected to carry the day by opposing the pressgang in a time of peace, and even permitted himself to repudiate philanthropy towards the African negro.
From Peter Simple; and, The Three Cutters, Vol. 1-2 by Frederick Marryat
“A likely story, my lad,” said the officer commanding the pressgang, who just then came up.
From True Blue by William Henry Giles Kingston
And slavery; bah! slaves enough in Britain while the pressgang can carry off any man it likes.
From Viking Boys by Jessie Margaret Edmondston Saxby
Hearty, though the old gentleman did take on when you were carried away by the pressgang.
From Will Weatherhelm The Yarn of an Old Sailor by Archibald Webb
Please, sir, I’ve got a young wife ashore at Southsea, and I was torn away from her by a pressgang.
From Will Weatherhelm The Yarn of an Old Sailor by Archibald Webb
