had been reprieving

• past perfect progressive

  past perfect progressive

  Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.

  of reprieve.
  reprieve

  verb (used with object)

  to delay the impending punishment or sentence of (a condemned person).

Related Words

• abatement
• absolution
• amnesty
• clemency
• deferment
• pardon
• postponement
• remission
• respite
• suspension
• truce