Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Mr. Sponge answered the appeal by turning his horse the way the hounds were feathering, and giving them a slight cheer.
From Mr. Sponge's Sporting Tour by Robert Smith Surtees
They walked on, and soon the man told M—— to be prepared, as the spaniels were feathering.
From The Dog by Dinks
A witch called at a farm when they were feathering geese for sale, and she begged much for one.
From Welsh Folk-Lore a Collection of the Folk-Tales and Legends of North Wales by Elias Owen
They were feathering excitedly about the mouth of a tile drain into which the fox had evidently gone.
From The Wit and Humor of America, Volume VIII (of X) by Marshall Pinckney Wilder
