preen

¹ American  

[preen] / prin /

verb (used with object)

1. (of animals, especially birds) to trim or dress (feathers, fur, etc.) with the beak or tongue.

   The peacock preened itself on the lawn.

2. to dress (oneself ) carefully or smartly; primp.

   The king preened himself in his elaborate ceremonial robes.

3. to pride (oneself ) on an achievement, personal quality, etc..

   He preened himself on having graduated with honors.

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verb (used without object)

1. to make oneself appear striking or smart in dress or appearance.

   No amount of careful preening will compensate for poor posture.

2. to be exultant or proud.

preen ² American  

[preen] / prin /

noun

Chiefly British Dialect.

1. a pin or brooch.

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preen ¹ British  

/ priːn /

verb

1. (of birds) to maintain (feathers) in a healthy condition by arrangement, cleaning, and other contact with the bill

2. to dress or array (oneself) carefully; primp

3. (usually foll by on) to pride or congratulate (oneself)

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preen ² British  

/ priːn /

noun

1. a pin, esp a decorative one

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Other Word Forms

• preener noun
• unpreened adjective

Etymology

Origin of preen¹

1480–90; late Middle English prene, variant of Middle English prunen, proynen ( prune ³ ), perhaps by association with prenen, to stab, pierce (v. use, now dial., of prene preen ² ), from the pricking action of a bird's beak in preening

Origin of preen²

before 1000; Middle English prene, Old English prēon a pin; cognate with Old Norse prjōnn pin; akin to Dutch priem, German Pfreim awl