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]