avail
verb (used with object)
to be of use or value to; profit; advantage.
were availing
-
past progressiveof avail.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 Federal Reserve System announced an increase in holdings by central banks of $19,399,000 in Government securities, evidence that banks were availing themselves of credit expansion made possible by the Glass-Steagall bill.
From Time Magazine Archive
Again he was told that Blucher, on the one side, and Witgenstein on the other, were availing themselves of his absence, and advancing.
From The History of Napoleon Buonaparte by J. G. (John Gibson) Lockhart
They were not merely in his hands as clients who were availing themselves of his skill; but surrendered as to one naturally high above them.
From An Engagement of Convenience A Novel by Louis Zangwill
A number of vessels were availing themselves of a fine breeze to leave the harbor, and the lake was studded with many a white sail.
From The Every-day Life of Abraham Lincoln A Narrative And Descriptive Biography With Pen-Pictures And Personal Recollections By Those Who Knew Him by Francis F. (Francis Fisher) Browne
The colonies were availing themselves of the unique opportunity afforded by their emancipation, in the wilderness, from the tyranny and obstruction of old-world traditions and licensed abuses.
From The History of the United States from 1492 to 1910, Volume 1 From Discovery of America October 12, 1492 to Battle of Lexington April 19, 1775 by Julian Hawthorne
