Where does the term "press-gang" come from?

sequoianoir

A "pressgang" was a company of men under an officer detailed to force men into military or naval service. The term originated from "Impress gang" (The act of impressing, or taking by force for the public service; compulsion to serve; also, that which is impressed.) They were given Impress money, (a sum of money paid, immediately upon their entering service, to men who have been impressed.) Also "press money", "prest money" or just "prest" This was often referred to as the "King's Shilling." Many a young man met one of these recruiters (press gang) in a local pub, and on waking the next morning, with a fearful hangover, found he had accepted the "King's Shilling" and had enlisted for life. The expression "The King's Shilling" referred to the bonus paid by the Crown for enlisting, and once given, meant that death was the only release from that enlistment. Mar 30 04, 12:21 PM

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