fasten
verb (used with object)
to attach firmly or securely in place; fix securely to something else.
had been fastening
-
past perfect progressiveof fasten.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.
Mary, who had been fastening the bolts inside, met him in the doorway.
From Mary Marston by George MacDonald
Brian had been fastening his boat to a pollard willow as he talked.
From The Golden Calf by M. E. (Mary Elizabeth) Braddon
Frederick, who had been fastening his cravat, did not appear to be much affected by this news.
From Sentimental Education, Volume II The History of a Young Man by Gustave Flaubert
Still mindful of the eager eyes upon her, Pauline had been fastening the roses in her bosom as she spoke, and ended with a silvery laugh that made the silence musical with its heartsome sound.
From Pauline's Passion and Punishment by Louisa May Alcott
Silently I observed this, and feared it argued a rooted scepticism, which for ages had been fastening on the heart, and which only an age of miracles could eradicate.
From Woman in the Ninteenth Century and Kindred Papers Relating to the Sphere, Condition and Duties, of Woman. by Margaret Fuller
