v. t. | 1. | To press between two bodies; to press together closely; to compress; often, to compress so as to expel juice, moisture, etc.; |
2. | Fig.: To oppress with hardships, burdens, or taxes; to harass; to crush. | |
3. | To force, or cause to pass, by compression; often with out, through, etc.; | |
v. i. | 1. | To press; to urge one's way, or to pass, by pressing; to crowd; - often with through, into, etc.; |
n. | 1. | The act of one who squeezes; compression between bodies; pressure. |
2. | A facsimile impression taken in some soft substance, as pulp, from an inscription on stone. | |
3. | (Mining) The gradual closing of workings by the weight of the overlying strata. | |
4. | Pressure or constraint used to force the making of a gift, concession, or the like; exaction; extortion; |