DICT.TW Dictionary Taiwan

 Press, n.  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.

 Prest, a.
 1. Ready; prompt; prepared. [Obs.]
    All prest to such battle he was.   --R. of Gloucester.
 2. Neat; tidy; proper. [Obs.]
 Prest money, money formerly paid to men when they enlisted into the British service; -- so called because it bound those that received it to be ready for service when called upon.