carp
verb (used without object)
to find fault or complain querulously or unreasonably; be niggling in criticizing; cavil.
were carping
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past progressiveof carp.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.
And where was Pete while we were carping?
From Slate ● May 22, 2012
Accordingly there were carping faultfinding, and resistance—even defeat—on every measure concerning the Prince brought before the Lords and Commons.
From Life of Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen — Volume 1 by Sarah Tytler
He was determined, at all events, that such profits as might arise from its importation should enrich the royal exchequer rather than a powerful corporation controlled by men who were carping at the king's prerogative.
From Beginnings of the American People by William E. Dodd
Of course, there were carping critics, one of whom is reported to have said the author would “go up like a rocket and come down like a stick.”
From John Leech, His Life and Work. Vol. 1 by William Powell Frith
