buttonhole
noun
was buttonholing
-
past progressiveof buttonhole.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Less than 24 hours before the whirring chain saws and chippers descended upon Kathleen Winebrenner's street in the leafy Ravenswood neighborhood of Chicago, the desperate homeowner was buttonholing government officials, pleading for clemency.
From Time Magazine Archive
Outgoing speaker Gingrich, whom Livingston had informed the night before, was buttonholing members on the floor.
From Time Magazine Archive
One thought he was buttonholing Walter Reuther, embarrassedly found he was talking to a Chicago Tribune staff writer.
From Time Magazine Archive
The statesman, with heavy "dear sirs" and heavier smiles, was buttonholing the elder Courteney, who at every least pause affably endeavored to refer him to Hugh.
From Gideon's Band A Tale of the Mississippi by George Washington Cable
