preen 1
— preener , n.
/preen/ , v.t.
1. (of animals, esp. 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 been graduated with honors.
v.i.
4. to make oneself appear striking or smart in dress or appearance: No amount of careful preening will compensate for poor posture.
5. to be exultant or proud.
[ 1480-90; late ME prene, var. of ME prunen, proynen (see PRUNE 3 ), perh. by assoc. with prenen, to stab, pierce (v. use, now dial., of prene PREEN 2 ), from the pricking action of a bird's beak in preening ]
preen 2
/preen/ , n. Chiefly Brit. Dial.
a pin or brooch.
[ bef. 1000; ME prene, OE preon a pin; c. ON prjonn pin; akin to D priem, G Pfreim awl ]