maltreat
verb (used with object)
to treat or handle badly, cruelly, or roughly; abuse.
were maltreating
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past progressiveof maltreat.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.
I cannot give you any idea of the hideousness of their aspect, and was much inclined to sympathise with the more innocent-looking fiends whom they were maltreating.
From Unbeaten Tracks in Japan by Isabella L. (Isabella Lucy) Bird
