Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Our old shepherd dog had been nosing the mow near us for rats.
From The Light in the Clearing by Irving Bacheller
By this time the moose, which had been nosing under the snow to get the mosses which grow there, and on which it feeds, lifted its immense head with the sweeping horns.
From The Young Treasure Hunter or, Fred Stanley's Trip to Alaska by Frank V. Webster
Alan had been nosing around among the rocks as they talked, getting nearer and nearer to the fall, and now he suddenly disappeared, and for a few moments Jean was quite alone in the woods.
From The Scotch Twins by Lucy Fitch Perkins
The sheriff who had been nosing about the fireplace turned and came over to the window, sliding up the shade with a motion and looking out into the dark orchard.
From Lo, Michael! by Grace Livingston Hill
Before she could answer, Rag, the Irish terrier, who had been nosing disconsolately about on the barren rock, suddenly lost his head.
From Flamsted quarries by G. Patrick Nelson
