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press gang
(redirected from Press Gangs)

    Also found in: Legal, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia 0.01 sec.
press gang also press·gang (prsgng)
n.
A company of men under an officer detailed to force men into military or naval service.
press gang
n
(Historical Terms) (formerly) a detachment of men used to press civilians for service in the navy or army
vb press-gang (tr)
1. (Historical Terms) 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
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Noun1.press gang - a detachment empowered to force civilians to serve in the army or navy
detachment - a small unit of troops of special composition
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The fun stunt will follow the model of 18th Century press gangs which recruited men to serve in the Navy when volunteers were in short supply.
Pirates help charity fund by Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England)
The press gangs were legally-formed groups under the command of an officer which, as well as operating in the ports, would often intercept merchant ships at sea and press the crews into naval service.
Press-ganged into battle by Liverpool Echo (Liverpool, England)
Men dragged off the streets and out of taverns by press gangs wielding clubs; when on board they were fed on biscuit full of weevils, stale water, salt beef and the saving rum ration.
Nelson's Triumph by Huddersfield Daily Examiner (Huddersfield, England)
 
 
 
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