Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Press \Press\, n. [For prest, confused with press.]
   A commission to force men into public service, particularly
   into the navy.

         I have misused the king's press.         --Shak.

   {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.

Source : WordNet®

press gang
     n : a detachment empowered to force civilians to serve in the
         army or navy