press gang
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
- Historical to force (someone) into naval or military service by means of a press gang
- 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.
Browse dictionary entries near press gang
- press gallery
- press conference
- press box
- press agent
- press
- presort
- presold issue
- Presley
- presignify
- presidium
- press kit
- press release
- press secretary
- press-to-talk
- press-up
- pressboard
- pressed
- pressed duck
- presser
- pressing
