had been wattling

• past perfect progressive

  past perfect progressive

  Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.

  of wattle.
  wattle

  noun

  Often wattles. a number of rods or stakes interwoven with twigs or tree branches for making fences, walls, etc.

More Suggestions

• sabre-rattling
• lady-in-waiting
• maid-in-waiting
• saber rattling
• ladies-in-waiting
• lord-in-waiting