peruse
verb (used with object)
to read through with thoroughness or care.
had been perusing
-
past perfect progressiveof peruse.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.
“I think we can continue,” replied Chief Justice John Roberts, who had been perusing printouts of emails.
From Washington Post ● Jan. 22, 2020
Then last June, Anne Jurvetson said she got a call from friends who had been perusing the U.S.
From MSNBC ● Apr. 28, 2016
Several news organizations, including ours, reported this dangerous lapse, and months later a Taliban spokesman claimed that Afghan insurgents had been perusing the WikiLeaks site and making a list.
From New York Times ● Jan. 26, 2011
And just before bedtime the speculators had been perusing the first of a new flock of corporation reports showing bigger earnings for the second quarter of the year.*
From Time Magazine Archive
He flung himself down in his seat again and took up the letter which he had been perusing and which interested him so.
From Mischievous Maid Faynie by Laura Jean Libbey
