hearken
verb (used without object)
to give heed or attention to what is said; listen.
had been hearkening
-
past perfect progressiveof hearken.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.
Jess and Leeby discussed many things in his presence, confident that his ears were not doing their work; but every now and then it was discovered that he had been hearkening greedily.
From A Window in Thrums by J. M. (James Matthew) Barrie
Sergius had been hearkening for the Hegumen's bell, and at the moment we look in upon him, he is with the venerable superior, helping him to breakfast, if a meal so frugal deserves the name.
From The Prince of India — Volume 02 by Lewis Wallace
