had been branching

• past perfect progressive

  past perfect progressive

  Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.

  of branch.
  branch

  noun

  a division or subdivision of the stem or axis of a tree, shrub, or other plant.

Related Words

• arm
• bureau
• chapter
• division
• member
• office
• section
• subsidiary
• wing