beset
verb (used with object)
to attack on all sides; assail.
were besetting
-
past progressiveof beset.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.
It was a heathenish time of night to arouse the girl, thought Burrell, as he left the barracks, but he must allay these fears that were besetting him, he must see Necia at once.
From The Barrier by Rex Ellingwood Beach
Whereas now two wars were received into Italy; two generals of the highest renown were besetting the Roman city; while the whole weight of the danger and the entire burden pressed upon one point.
From The History of Rome, Books 27 to 36 by Titus Livius
They were compassing bulls! they were besetting bulls! they were strong Bashan bulls!
From An English Garner Critical Essays & Literary Fragments by Professor Thomas Seccombe Arber
The lines of "The Last Ride" were besetting her still.
From The Precipice by Elia Wilkinson Peattie
New perils all the while were besetting American commerce.
From James Madison by Sydney Howard Gay
