secede
verb (used without object)
to withdraw formally from an alliance, federation, or association, as from a political union, a religious organization, etc.
had been seceding
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past perfect progressiveof secede.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.
Under Phil Murray's personal direction, anti-Communist unions that had been seceding in disgust for years, were ordered to re-apply for membership.
From Time Magazine Archive
