The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Press \Press\, n. [For prest, confused with press.]
   A commission to force men into public service, particularly
   into the navy.
   [1913 Webster]

         I have misused the king's press.         --Shak.
   [1913 Webster]

   Press gang, or Pressgang, a detachment of seamen under
      the command of an officer empowered to force men into the
      naval service. See Impress gang, under Impress.

   Press money, money paid to a man enlisted into public
      service. See Prest money, under Prest, a.
      [1913 Webster]