| a body of persons under the command of an officer, formerly employed to impress others for service, esp. in the navy or army. |
[pres-gang] 
| 1. | to force (a person) into military or naval service. |
| 2. | to coerce (a person) into taking a certain action, political stand, etc.: to be press-ganged into endorsing a candidate. |
| press gang also press·gang (prěs'gāng') n. A company of men under an officer detailed to force men into military or naval service. |