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.

But it seemed to her now that it was not a fist-shaking grief they were keening but rather a simple obligation to say something, do something, feel something about the dead.

From "Sula" by Toni Morrison

The women were keening somewhere at the back of the house, but the front windows blazed with the light of many candles, and the door of the cabin was wide open.

From The Tragic Bride by Young, Francis Brett

Then came up from them the sound of weeping and wailing; the city was full of men mourning and the keepers were keening, and sighs and cries were heard from all sides.

From The Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night — Volume 02 by Burton, Richard Francis, Sir

So they set out then; and when they got back to Ireland, they found a great gathering of the whole of the men of Connacht that were keening them.

From Gods and Fighting Men by Gregory, Lady

He knew now the folk of the air, And his heart was blackened by dread, And he ran to the door of his house; Old women were keening the dead.

From The Haunted Hour An Anthology by Widdemer, Margaret