v.
Function: verb
Etymology: Middle English prenen, alteration of proynen, prunen, from Anglo-French puroindre, proindre, from pur- thoroughly + uindre, oindre to anoint, rub, from Latin unguere ― more at PURCHASE , OINTMENT
Date: 14th century
transitive verb
1 of a bird : to groom with the bill especially by rearranging the barbs and barbules of the feathers and by distributing oil from the uropygial gland
2 : to dress or smooth (oneself) up : PRIMP
3 : to pride or congratulate (oneself) for achievement
intransitive verb
1 : to make oneself sleek
2 : GLOAT , SWELL
– preen · er noun