rasp
verb (used with object)
to scrape or abrade with a rough instrument.
had been rasping
-
past perfect progressiveof rasp.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.
At last victory was to reward the tactics of Victor Dorn, the slow, patient building which for several years now had been rasping the nerves of Boss Kelly.
From The Conflict by David Graham Phillips
