from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Press \Press\, n. [F. presse. See 4th {Press}.]
1. An apparatus or machine by which any substance or body is
pressed, squeezed, stamped, or shaped, or by which an
impression of a body is taken; sometimes, the place or
building containing a press or presses.
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Note: Presses are differently constructed for various
purposes in the arts, their specific uses being
commonly designated; as, a cotton press, a wine press,
a cider press, a copying press, etc. See {Drill press}.
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2. Specifically, a printing press.
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3. The art or business of printing and publishing; hence,
printed publications, taken collectively, more especially
newspapers or the persons employed in writing for them;
as, a free press is a blessing, a licentious press is a
curse.
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4. An upright case or closet for the safe keeping of
articles; as, a clothes press. --Shak.
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5. The act of pressing or thronging forward.
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In their throng and press to that last hold. --Shak.
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6. Urgent demands of business or affairs; urgency; as, a
press of engagements.
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7. A multitude of individuals crowded together; ? crowd of
single things; a throng.
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They could not come nigh unto him for the press.
--Mark ii. 4.
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{Cylinder press}, a printing press in which the impression is
produced by a revolving cylinder under which the form
passes; also, one in which the form of type or plates is
curved around a cylinder, instead of resting on a flat
bed.
{Hydrostatic press}. See under {Hydrostatic}.
{Liberty of the press}, the free right of publishing books,
pamphlets, or papers, without previous restraint or
censorship, subject only to punishment for libelous,
seditious, or morally pernicious matters.
{Press bed}, a bed that may be folded, and inclosed, in a
press or closet. --Boswell.
{Press of sail}, (Naut.), as much sail as the state of the
wind will permit.
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