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Definitions for Preen

[1] (of animals, especially 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.
[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.
[6] a pin or brooch.
[7] (of birds) to maintain (feathers) in a healthy condition by arrangement, cleaning, and other contact with the bill
[8] to dress or array (oneself) carefully; primp
[9] (usually foll by on) to pride or congratulate (oneself)
[10] Scot a pin, esp a decorative one

Words related to Preen

groom, tidy, beautify, primp, clean, prettify, prink, pretty

Words nearby Preen

preempt, preemption, preemptive, preemptive right, preemptive strike, preen, preen gland, preengage, preengineered, preequalization, preestablish

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

Other words from Preen

preen·er , noun
un·preened , adjective

Word origin for Preen

Old English prēon a pin; related to Middle High German pfrieme awl, Dutch priem bodkin

Synonyms for Preen

beautify, clean, groom, prettify, primp, prink, tidy, doll up, pretty, spruce up