range
noun
the extent to which or the limits between which variation is possible.
had been ranging
-
past perfect progressiveof range.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.
Irritation immediately scattered the thoughts Mallard had been ranging; he could barely make a show of amicable behaviour; a cold fear began to creep about his heart.
From The Emancipated by George Gissing
We departed hence on the 16th, and some days after joined the Gloucester, which had been ranging the coast, and intercepted some vessels, though not so valuable as ours.
From Memoirs and Correspondence of Admiral Lord de Saumarez. Vol II by Sir John Ross
Just at this moment, Dash, who had followed them unnoticed during their ride, and who had been ranging about uneasily while they had been occupied by the search, set up a piteous howling.
From Out on the Pampas Or, The Young Settlers by G. A. (George Alfred) Henty
Rowdy had been ranging about the clearing while the conversation had been going on.
From Boy Scouts in Southern Waters by G. Harvey (George Harvey) Ralphson
Ponto, meanwhile, had been ranging, Jog thinking it better to let him take the edge off his ardour than conform to the strict rules of lying down or coming to heel.
From Mr. Sponge's Sporting Tour by Robert Smith Surtees
