had been clasping
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past perfect progressiveof clasp.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
claspnouna device, usually of metal, for fastening together two or more things or parts of the same thing.
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.
She set down the Barbie teacup filled with lemonade she had been clasping to show her fingers.
From New York Times ● Apr. 24, 2019
The hands which had been clasping Harry's arm relaxed their hold; she moved away from him.
From A Castle in Spain A Novel by James De Mille
She had been clasping her knee with her linked fingers, but separated them and leaned backward on the sofa with affected consternation, but an expression of growing amusement in her bright eyes.
From Sally Dows by Bret Harte
I felt no more, as I gazed, than if it had been a bundle he had been clasping to his bosom.
From Paul Gosslett's Confessions in Love, Law, and The Civil Service by Charles James Lever
Mary had been clasping and unclasping her hands, a habit of hers when troubled.
From All Roads Lead to Calvary by Jerome K. (Jerome Klapka) Jerome