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press gang Definition

press gang

noun

Historical a group of men who round up other men and force them into naval or military service

Etymology: for prest gang: see press

press-gang Definition

press·-gang (pres′gaŋ′)

transitive verb

  1. Historical to force (someone) into naval or military service by means of a press gang
  2. to force (someone) to do something

press gang Usage Examples

Converse of subject

  • take: These keelboatmen were exempt from being taken by the navy press gangs.