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had been etching

  • past perfect progressive
    of etch.
    etch
    verb (used with object)
    to cut, bite, or corrode with an acid or the like; engrave with an acid or the like, as to form a design in furrows that when charged with ink will give an impression on paper.

Example Sentences

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Then a swift feeling of pity darted through her, changing her thoughts, changing every shade of the portrait of Emmy which she had been etching with her quick corrosive strokes of insight.

From Nocturne by Frank Swinnerton