transitive. To torture or execute (a person) by means of peine forte et dure. Frequently in to press to death. Now historical.

To affect (a person, etc.) with bodily pain, hurt, or damage (sometimes spec. by torsion or pressure); to hurt, harm, or injure. Now dialect or ar…

To compress or squeeze (the body and limbs) with irons in punishment or torture. Contrasted with to rack. Obsolete.

To subject to peine forte et dure: see press, v.1 Obsolete.