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
I looked round to see who were availing themselves of this permission.
From In Mr. Knox's Country by Martin Ross
If it was intended for our benefit, it was time we were availing ourselves of it.
From History of Woman Suffrage, Volume III by Elizabeth Cady Stanton
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
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
