press-gang

[ pres-gang ]

/ ˈprɛsˌgæŋ /

to force (a person) into military or naval service.

to coerce (a person) into taking a certain action, political stand, etc.: to be press-ganged into endorsing a candidate.

Words nearby press-gang

press gang

a body of persons under the command of an officer, formerly employed to impress others for service, especially in the navy or army.

First recorded in 1685–95

The rapacity of a land steward, heavy agricultural losses, and finally the arrival of a press-gang had reduced him to misery.

The World's Greatest Books, Vol VI. |Various
Had this attitude been more general, or more consistent in itself, the press-gang would not have endured for a day.

The Press-Gang Afloat and Ashore |John R. Hutchinson
Here the press-gang was at work driving the unwilling conscript.

Sally Bishop |E. Temple Thurston
Because I was afraid they would think I had something to do with the press-gang coming.

The Lost Middy |George Manville Fenn

The last line has suggested to the commentators that the captain headed the press-gang himself.

The Mirror of Taste, and Dramatic Censor, Vol. I, No. 6, June 1810 |Various

press gang

(formerly) a detachment of men used to press civilians for service in the navy or army

to force (a person) to join the navy or army by a press gang

to induce (a person) to perform a duty by forceful persuasion his friends press-ganged him into joining the committee