What is "press money"

Press \Press\, n. [For prest, confused with press.] A commission to force men into public service, particularly into the navy.

I have misused the king's press.
--Shak.

Press gang, or Pressgang, a detachment of seamen under the command of an officer empowered to force men into the naval service. See Impress gang, under Impress.

Press money, money paid to a man enlisted into public service. See Prest money, under Prest, a.