établissaient

The French verb "établissaient" is the imperfect indicative form of the verb "établir," meaning to establish, set up, or lay down. In French grammar, the imperfect tense is used to describe ongoing actions, habitual actions, or states of being in the past. Therefore, "établissaient" would translate to "they were establishing," "they used to establish," or "they established" (in the sense of a continuous or descriptive past action).

For example, one might say "Les anciens Romains établissaient de nombreuses routes" which translates to "The ancient Romans were establishing many roads" or "The ancient Romans used to establish many roads." This indicates a past action that was ongoing or a common practice. Another usage could be "Les règles établissaient une procédure claire," meaning "The rules were establishing a clear procedure" or "The rules laid down a clear procedure."

The imperfect tense emphasizes the duration or continuity of the action rather than its completion. It sets a scene or describes a situation in the past. The subject "ils" or "elles" (they) is implied by the verb ending "-aient." When used in a sentence, "établissaient" provides context for past events, habits, or descriptions.