1. A detachment empowered to force civilians to serve in the army or navy
   "In the 18th century, press gangs were used to recruit sailors for the Royal Navy"

1. Forcibly recruit someone into military or naval service, or coerce someone into doing something
   "They were press-ganged into joining the crew"

Derived forms: press-gangs, press gangs, press-ganged, press-ganging

Type of: detachment

Encyclopedia: Press gang