Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
This man was quailing and had no stomach for the fair combat of duel yet he would never relinquish his determination to glut his hatred by subterfuge.
From The Roof Tree by Lee F. Conrey
Selah looked at him very steadily with her big eyes, and Herbert felt that he was quailing a little under their piercing, withering inquisition.
From Philistia by Grant Allen
The Phantom stepped out with a jaunty appearance, though inwardly he was quailing a trifle.
From The Gray Phantom's Return by Herman Landon
As he was wandering about the country, uncertain whither to betake himself, he unexpectedly fell in with the very enemy before whom Montauban was quailing.
From History of the Rise of the Huguenots Volume 2 by Henry Martyn Baird
"Then you don't believe in assurance?" but already the evangelist was quailing before the Rabbi.
From Kate Carnegie and Those Ministers by Ian Maclaren
