v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Squeezed p. pr. & vb. n. Squeezing. ] [ OE. queisen, AS. cwēsan, cw&ymacr_;san, cwīsan, of uncertain origin. The s- was probably prefixed through the influence of squash, v.t. ] 1. To press between two bodies; to press together closely; to compress; often, to compress so as to expel juice, moisture, etc.; as, to squeeze an orange with the fingers; to squeeze the hand in friendship. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Fig.: To oppress with hardships, burdens, or taxes; to harass; to crush. [ 1913 Webster ]

In a civil war, people must expect to be crushed and squeezed toward the burden. L'Estrange. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To force, or cause to pass, by compression; often with out, through, etc.; as, to squeeze water through felt. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- To compress; hug; pinch; gripe; crowd. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To press; to urge one's way, or to pass, by pressing; to crowd; -- often with through, into, etc.; as, to squeeze hard to get through a crowd. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. The act of one who squeezes; compression between bodies; pressure. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A facsimile impression taken in some soft substance, as pulp, from an inscription on stone. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Mining) The gradual closing of workings by the weight of the overlying strata. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

4. Pressure or constraint used to force the making of a gift, concession, or the like; exaction; extortion; as, to put the squeeze on someone. [ Colloq. ]

One of the many “squeezes” imposed by the mandarins. A. R. Colquhoun. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

n. 1. One who, or that which, squeezes; as, a lemon squeezer. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Forging) (a) A machine like a large pair of pliers, for shingling, or squeezing, the balls of metal when puddled; -- used only in the plural. (b) A machine of several forms for the same purpose; -- used in the singular. [ 1913 Webster ]