tussle
verb (used without object)
to struggle or fight roughly or vigorously; wrestle; scuffle.
were tussling
-
past progressiveof tussle.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.
A sign of the difficult balance over which all sides were tussling came Sunday from a statement released by a spokeswoman for first lady Melania Trump.
From Washington Post ● Jun. 17, 2018
For the first few months, no one had a clear mandate to make big decisions, and teams were tussling for turf.
From BusinessWeek ● Sep. 17, 2014
The two Manchester clubs were tussling at the head, while three London contenders were tucked in behind occupying positions three, four and five.
From The Guardian ● Jan. 14, 2013
I could not figure out why they were tussling, and probably they could not, either.
From New York Times ● Jan. 7, 2011
Moze and Sounder were tussling round her body.
From The Last of the Plainsmen by Zane Grey
