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]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Pressgang \Press"gang`\, n.
See Press gang, under Press.
[1913 Webster]