straggle
verb (used without object)
to spread or be spread in a scattered fashion or at irregular intervals.
had been straggling
-
past perfect progressiveof straggle.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.
A turnip patch on the corner of the Farnshaw place which had been straggling, but green, when the cattle had passed through it that afternoon, had not a leaf to show as they returned.
From The Wind Before the Dawn by Dell H. Munger
The four detachments above described, which had been straggling a little in their passage down the street, closed up at the end of it, and stood for a moment huddled together.
From The Second Funeral of Napoleon by William Makepeace Thackeray
A few, who had been straggling from the path, hurried up and ranged themselves close to the main body, as if for protection.
From Osceola the Seminole The Red Fawn of the Flower Land by Mayne Reid
The caravan had been attacked, or, more likely, only a single waggon that had been straggling in the rear?
From The Wild Huntress Love in the Wilderness by Mayne Reid
