stray
verb (used without object)
to deviate from the direct course, leave the proper place, or go beyond the proper limits, especially without a fixed course or purpose.
had been straying
-
past perfect progressiveof stray.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.
When it was put a second time he glanced up with a start, as if he had been brought back with a shock from the place of shadows in which his thoughts had been straying.
From A Second Coming by Richard Marsh
Betty and Prince had been straying through the lanes, and had suddenly come upon the old sexton, who was leaning over his cottage gate smoking a short clay pipe.
From Odd by Amy Le Feuvre
That last word was barely audible and the quality of the silence which followed it drew John Wollaston's gaze which had been straying over the lake, around to the speaker.
From Mary Wollaston by Henry Kitchell Webster
“Is that clock right?” asked Eleanor, whose eyes had been straying restlessly towards the mantel-piece for some little time; “lunch is usually so punctual in your establishment.”
From Beasts and Super-Beasts by Saki
Margaret’s thoughts had been straying rather sorrowfully, when a speech of Fay’s suddenly roused her.
From Wee Wifie by Rosa Nouchette Carey
