[preen] n [ME prene, fr. OE preon; akin to MHG pfrieme awl] (bef. 12c) 1 dial chiefly Brit: pin
2. dial chiefly Brit: brooch
[2]preen vt (1572) chiefly Scot: pin [3]preen vb [ME preinen] vt (14c) 1: to dress or smooth (oneself) up: primp
2. of a bird: to trim or dress with a bill
3: to pride or congratulate (oneself) for achievement ~ vi 1: to make oneself sleek
2: gloat, swell -- preen.er n