expectorate
verb (used without object)
to eject or expel matter, as phlegm, from the throat or lungs by coughing or hawking and spitting; spit.
had been expectorating
-
past perfect progressiveof expectorate.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.
On inquiry, it was found that, for some weeks, he had been expectorating blood—he had nocturnal perspirations, hectic flushes, and almost incessant cough.
From Wilson's Tales of the Borders and of Scotland Volume 5 by Various
