squabble
verb (used without object)
to engage in a petty quarrel.
had been squabbling
-
past perfect progressiveof squabble.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.
The woman had been squabbling with another passenger over access to the overhead luggage bins.
From New York Times ● Aug. 11, 2010
The Post, published by Eugene Meyer, onetime Governor of the Federal Reserve Board, had been squabbling with "Cissy" Patterson's Herald for more than a year.
From Time Magazine Archive
The two had been squabbling ever since Flynn gave Franklin D. Roosevelt what the superintendent complained was the best cow on the farm.
From Time Magazine Archive
Behind the Belgians came the reckless French team of Letourner and Guim-bretiere, who, as is their custom, had been squabbling with each other throughout the race.
From Time Magazine Archive
Mark tells us that the disciples, as they journeyed, had been squabbling about pre-eminence in the kingdom, and that this conversation was brought on by our Lord's question as to the subject of their dispute.
From Expositions of Holy Scripture : St. Matthew Chaps. IX to XXVIII by Alexander Maclaren
