▪ I. imˈpressment1 rare.
[f. impress v.1 + -ment. In sense 2 for F. empressement.]
1. The action of impressing; exertion of pressure.
| 1865 Bushnell Vicar. Sacr. iii, Carried by mighty impressment, such as if by some unseen hydrostatic pressure. |
2. Earnestness, ardour.
| 1854 ‘Marion Harland’ Alone ix, Several young men dashed to the side of the carriage, with as much impressment as at a ball. 1880 L. Wallace Ben-Hur 384 Simonides..gave his farewell and the peace of the Lord with the impressment of a father. |
▪ II. impressment2
(ɪmˈprɛsmənt)
[f. impress v.2 + -ment.]
The act or practice of impressing or forcibly taking for the public service.
| 1796 Morse Amer. Geog. I. 689 The loss to the citizens directly by the..British army, and indirectly by American impressments. 1829 Marryat F. Mildmay xxi, America looked upon our system of impressment as the sheet-anchor of her navy. 1866 Rogers Agric. & Prices I. iv. 67 The right of the impressment of beasts for carriage was part of the ancient prerogative. |
| fig. 1834 H. Miller Scenes & Leg. xvi. (1857) 232 There is no irregular impressment of the young and vigorous in the way of accident. 1876 E. Mellor Priesth. App. D. 412 On three conditions only can such impressment of witnesses be justified. |