Com*press" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Compressed (?); p. pr & vb. n. Compressing.] [L. compressus, p. p. of comprimere to compress: com- + premere to press. See Press.]
1.
To press or squeeze together; to force into a narrower compass; to reduce the volume of by pressure; to compact; to condense; as, to compress air or water.
Events of centuries . . . compressed within the compass of a single life.
D. Webster.
The same strength of expression, though more compressed, runs through his historical harangues.
Melmoth.
2.
To embrace sexually.
[Obs.]
Pope.
Syn. -- To crowd; squeeze; condense; reduce; abridge.
© Webster 1913.
Com"press (?), n. [F. compresse.] Surg.
A folded piece of cloth, pledget of lint, etc., used to cover the dressing of wounds, and so placed as, by the aid of a bandage, to make due pressure on any part.
© Webster 1913.