preen
1[ preen ]
/ prin /
verb (used with object)
(of animals, especially birds) to trim or dress (feathers, fur, etc.) with the beak or tongue: The peacock preened itself on the lawn.
to dress (oneself) carefully or smartly; primp: The king preened himself in his elaborate ceremonial robes.
to pride (oneself) on an achievement, personal quality, etc.: He preened himself on having been graduated with honors.
verb (used without object)
to make oneself appear striking or smart in dress or appearance: No amount of careful preening will compensate for poor posture.
to be exultant or proud.
Nearby words
Origin of preen
1Related formspreen·er, nounun·preened, adjective
Definition for preen (2 of 2)
preen
2[ preen ]
/ prin /
noun Chiefly British Dialect.
a pin or brooch.
Origin of preen
2before 1000; Middle English prene, Old English prēon a pin; cognate with Old Norse prjōnn pin; akin to Dutch priem, German Pfreim awl
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for preen
British Dictionary definitions for preen (1 of 2)
preen
1/ (priːn) /
verb
(of birds) to maintain (feathers) in a healthy condition by arrangement, cleaning, and other contact with the bill
to dress or array (oneself) carefully; primp
(usually foll by on) to pride or congratulate (oneself)
Derived Formspreener, noun
Word Origin for preen
C14 preinen, probably from prunen to prune ³, influenced by prenen to prick, pin (see preen ²); suggestive of the pricking movement of the bird's beak
British Dictionary definitions for preen (2 of 2)
preen
2/ (priːn) /
noun
Scot a pin, esp a decorative one
Word Origin for preen
Old English prēon a pin; related to Middle High German pfrieme awl, Dutch priem bodkin
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