tamp
verb (used with object)
to force in or down by repeated, rather light, strokes.
had been tamping
-
past perfect progressiveof tamp.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.
HERMAN’S HORNS: Herman had been tamping down expectations of this “transitional” class and he signed a class far below the lofty national rankings Texas fans have come to expect.
From Washington Times ● Feb. 1, 2017
He stopped to touch a match to the dry grains of tobacco which he had been tamping into the bowl of his pipe; he swung slowly around toward the inert figure on the bunk.
From Then I'll Come Back to You by Larry Evans
