allude
verb (used without object)
to refer casually or indirectly; make an allusion (usually followed byto ).
had been alluding
-
past perfect progressiveof allude.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Careful inquiry elicited the fact that the name of the political authority to which the orator had been alluding was John Mill.
From Modern Leaders: Being a Series of Biographical Sketches by Justin McCarthy
Amy Waring, who had not heard the previous conversation between her two aunts, blushed as she heard these words, as if Mrs. Bennet had been alluding to something in which Amy was particularly interested.
From Trumps by George William Curtis
Something led back to the previous conversation, when Mrs. Hunter had been alluding to her state of health, and to some sorrow that was her daily portion.
From A Life's Secret A Novel by Mrs. Henry Wood
To my astonishment, there was no anger in her tone: she spoke of him as quietly as if she had been alluding to an innocent man.
From The Guilty River by Wilkie Collins
This feeble man was dreaming, in a childish manner, of this studio life which his friend had been alluding to, and he questioned Laurent on the subject.
From Theresa Raquin by Ernest Alfred Vizetelly
