impressment

English

Etymology

From impress +‎ -ment.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /ɪmˈpɹɛsmənt/

Noun

impressment (plural impressments)

1. The act of seizing for public use; impressing into public service.
   • 1988, James McPherson, Battle Cry of Freedom, Oxford 2004, p. 833:

     A month later the governors of six more states, meeting in conference, enigmatically urged the impressment of slaves for “the public service as may be required.”