whet
verb (used with object)
to sharpen (a knife, tool, etc.) by grinding or friction.
was whetting
-
past progressiveof whet.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.
Red Dead Redemption The new Grand Theft Horse was whetting a few appetites on the box this week, with thoughts of an online NaN posse being gunned down by all-comers just too much to take.
From The Guardian ● Apr. 19, 2010
Every odd moment he could find he had the knife and stone out and was whetting away.
From The Sea Wolf by London, Jack
He was whetting the point of his dagger, and did not hear her approach, until she stood beside him.
From Guy Fawkes or The Gunpowder Treason by Ainsworth, William Harrison
He was a young fellow from a meat-shop; he was whetting his knife on the stone of the pavement.
From What to Do? Thoughts Evoked By the Census of Moscow by Hapgood, Isabel Florence
He was hardening his seres, he was waiting for his wings to grow, he was whetting his beak; we should see him soar at last and shake the thunder from his wings.
From The Writings of James Russell Lowell in Prose and Poetry, Volume V Political Essays by Lowell, James Russell
