preen /priːn/ BrE AmE verb [intransitive and transitive]
[ Date: 1400-1500 ; Origin: Probably from Old French proignier ; ⇨ ↑ prune 1 ]
1 . if a bird preens or preens itself, it cleans itself and makes its feathers smooth using its beak
2 . to spend time making yourself look tidier and more attractive
preen yourself
a girl preening herself in the mirror
3 . to look proud and feel pleased because of something you have done
preen yourself
He enjoyed the applause, preening himself like a pop star.