wantoning

For thou wert wantoning in Alexander's house, fain to have obeisance done thee by barbarians.

The Trojan Women 2008

For thou wert wantoning in Alexander's house, fain to have obeisance done thee by barbarians.

The Trojan Women 2008

Although the subject is too hallowed for profane contemplation, yet shalt thou have the whole before thee as it passed: and this not from a spirit wantoning in description upon so rich a subject; but with a design to put a bound to thy roving thoughts.

Clarissa Harlowe 2006

Hickman; yet she cannot help wantoning with the power his obsequious love gives her over him.

Clarissa Harlowe 2006

I said, We fellows of fortune, Mr. Williams, take sometimes a little more liberty with the world than we ought to do; wantoning, very probably, as you contemplative folks would say, in the sunbeams of a dangerous affluence; and cannot think of confining ourselves to the common paths, though the safest and most eligible, after all.

Pamela 2006

Thou has heard me also describe the wavy ringlets of her shining hair, needing neither art nor powder; of itself an ornament, defying all other ornaments; wantoning in and about a neck that is beautiful beyond description.

Clarissa Harlowe 2006

But, in reality, if we have not all the virtues, I will boldly say, neither have we all the vices of a prudent character; and though it is not easy to conceive circumstances much more miserable than those of poor Jones at present, we shall return to him, and attend upon him with the same diligence as if he was wantoning in the brightest beams of fortune.

The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling 2004

One day at a drinking-bout, when the youngster was wantoning with Lucius, “I love you, Sir, so dearly,” said he, “that, preferring your satisfaction to my own, I came away without seeing the gladiators, though I have never seen a man killed in my life.”

The Lives of the Noble Grecians and Romans Plutarch 2003

It might well be, said Mrs McNab, wantoning on with her memories; they had friends in eastern countries; gentlemen staying there, ladies in evening dress; she had seen them once through the dining-room door all sitting at dinner.

To the Lighthouse 2002

Now, thanks to Elspeth's wantoning, I was on the eve of death, or worse - if I get out of this, thinks I, I'll divorce the bitch, that's flat.

Flashman's Lady Fraser, George MacDonald, 1925- 1977