was rasping
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past progressiveof rasp.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
raspverb (used with object)to scrape or abrade with a rough instrument.
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.
His cough was rasping, his thighs as thin as his calves, and a thumb and forefinger could practically encircle his ankles.
From Reuters ● Jul. 24, 2019
The presence of scratches on the inner surface of Alfred’s teeth suggest he was rasping his tongue along the back of them when feeding.
From The Guardian ● Nov. 29, 2016
Talking by telephone to a political colleague, De Sapio's voice was rasping, his diction marked by such New York pronouns as "dese" and "dem."
From Time Magazine Archive
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The violet spark was rasping, and the operator, his receivers strapped over his ears, strained to listen.
From The Indian Drum by Edwin Balmer
Something was rasping, forcefully, under the hull of the submarine.
From The Submarine Boys' Lightning Cruise The Young Kings of the Deep by Victor G. Durham