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

Example Sentences

He was preening, apparently forgetting that he’d placed me in the show just this morning.

From Literature

But when I reach that house, a tidy little bungalow with a cat preening in the window, nobody answers the door.

From Literature

This is not revelation: The defense secretary is well known for preening for the cameras with a level of self-regard that would embarrass most supermodels.

From Salon

In a moment with Colin Farrell as his preening son, Duvall is shocked and disappointed by how things are being handled.

From Los Angeles Times

She constantly touches her hair and adjusts her makeup like a swan preening in the sunshine.

From Literature