press2

 
Pronunciation: /prɛs/

verb

[with object]
  • 1 (press someone/thing into) put someone or something to a specified use, especially as a temporary or makeshift measure: she was pressed into service as an interpreter
  • 2 historical force (a man) to enlist in the army or navy.

noun

historical
  • a forcible enlistment of men, especially for the navy.

Origin:

late 16th century: alteration (by association with press1) of obsolete prest 'pay given on enlistment, enlistment by such payment', from Old French prest 'loan, advance pay', based on Latin praestare 'provide'