decipher
verb (used with object)
to make out the meaning of (poor or partially obliterated writing, etc.).
were deciphering
-
past progressiveof decipher.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.
As they were deciphering the rude characters of this pious inscription, a village priest came down a high flight of steps from the parsonage near the church, and courteously saluted the strangers.
From Hyperion by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
With slow steps they passed along the corridor and into the choir of the darkened church, which was lighted only by the scattered wax-lights of the brethren who were deciphering their manuscript breviaries.
From The Hour Will Come: Volumes I and II A Tale of an Alpine Cloister by Wilhelmine von Hillern
