Liberty of the press

Press Press, n. [F. presse. See 4th {Press}.] 1. An apparatus or machine by which any substance or body is pressed, squeezed, stamped, or shaped, or by which an impression of a body is taken; sometimes, the place or building containing a press or presses. [1913 Webster]

Note: Presses are differently constructed for various purposes in the arts, their specific uses being commonly designated; as, a cotton press, a wine press, a cider press, a copying press, etc. See {Drill press}. [1913 Webster]

2. Specifically, a printing press. [1913 Webster]

3. The art or business of printing and publishing; hence, printed publications, taken collectively, more especially newspapers or the persons employed in writing for them; as, a free press is a blessing, a licentious press is a curse. [1913 Webster]

4. An upright case or closet for the safe keeping of articles; as, a clothes press. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

5. The act of pressing or thronging forward. [1913 Webster]

In their throng and press to that last hold. --Shak. [1913 Webster]

6. Urgent demands of business or affairs; urgency; as, a press of engagements. [1913 Webster]

7. A multitude of individuals crowded together; ? crowd of single things; a throng. [1913 Webster]

They could not come nigh unto him for the press. --Mark ii. 4. [1913 Webster]

{Cylinder press}, a printing press in which the impression is produced by a revolving cylinder under which the form passes; also, one in which the form of type or plates is curved around a cylinder, instead of resting on a flat bed.

{Hydrostatic press}. See under {Hydrostatic}.

{Liberty of the press}, the free right of publishing books, pamphlets, or papers, without previous restraint or censorship, subject only to punishment for libelous, seditious, or morally pernicious matters.

{Press bed}, a bed that may be folded, and inclosed, in a press or closet. --Boswell.

{Press of sail}, (Naut.), as much sail as the state of the wind will permit. [1913 Webster]