grovel
verb (used without object)
to humble oneself or act in an abject manner, as in great fear or utter servility.
was grovelling
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past progressiveof grovel.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.
The latter was completely overthrown, and in the most literal sense, for he was grovelling in the dust at the feet of S. Thomas, while his disarranged turban had fallen from him.
From Etna A History of the Mountain and of its Eruptions by G. F. Rodwell
This was no delusion, for Bruff was standing beside him whining and shivering with terror, the monkey was grovelling in the sand, and all around there were eager voices inquiring: “What was that?”
From Mother Carey's Chicken Her Voyage to the Unknown Isle by A. Forestier
The chauffeur was grovelling; a man I knew was storming at him; and a woman wringing her hands on the pavement.
From Barnaby A Novel by R. Ramsay
Then out of a blue sky a voice said: "I'll get it for you," She was pushed firmly aside and a figure in a blue coat was grovelling adventurously beneath the trap.
From The Militants Stories of Some Parsons, Soldiers, and Other Fighters in the World by Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews
She was grovelling on her knees before me in a moment, calling me her dear Leah and imploring me to shield her.
From Uncle Max by Rosa Nouchette Carey
