solicit
verb (used with object)
to seek for (something) by entreaty, earnest or respectful request, formal application, etc..
had been soliciting
-
past perfect progressiveof solicit.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.
Graves: Nixon had been soliciting Powell for a couple of years to go on the Supreme Court.
From Slate ● Aug. 30, 2021
Unbeknown to EG10 management, according to two sources close to the team, the coach had been soliciting kickbacks from tournament promoters in exchange for agreeing to bring EG10 and Langford.
From Washington Post ● May 16, 2018
His lordship little suspected that he had been soliciting him to save his rival.
From Tales and Novels — Volume 03 by Maria Edgeworth
"The same," replied Mrs. Smith, feeling her consequence looking up; "Cousin Sabina is a very particular friend of Mrs. Morgan Silsbee, who for a long time had been soliciting the visit."
From Graham's Magazine Vol XXXII. No. 3. March 1848 by Robert Taylor Conrad
The spice of this letter consists in the fact that Conway's disavowal was a plain lie; for he had been soliciting for the appointment "with forwardness," says Mr. Ford, "almost amounting to impudence."
From George Washington by William Roscoe Thayer
