retreat
noun
the forced or strategic withdrawal of an army or an armed force before an enemy, or the withdrawing of a naval force from action.
had been retreating
-
past perfect progressiveof retreat.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.
Fowler, who had been retreating on the baseline, shifted gears and cruised into second base.
From Washington Post ● Aug. 17, 2011
The Belgian army, which had been retreating in disorder, had time to remarshall; Geeraert was credited, doubtless justly, with having helped to save it from destruction.
From Time Magazine Archive
And, gentlemen, you look as solemn as if you were the bearers of bad news instead of good tidings, or had been retreating with us for the past six months.
From For Love of Country A Story of Land and Sea in the Days of the Revolution by Cyrus Townsend Brady
Near night at Savage Station Sumner and Franklin, of the Federal Army, who had been retreating all day, turned to give battle.
From History of Kershaw's Brigade by D. Augustus Dickert
This time Cleggett perceived that he had been retreating in accordance with a preconceived program.
From The Cruise of the Jasper B. by Don Marquis
