preen1

[preen] /prin/
verb (used with object)
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.
verb (used without object)
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.
Origin
1480-90; late Middle English prene, variant of Middle English prunen, proynen (see prune3), perhaps by association with prenen, to stab, pierce (v. use, now dial., of prene preen2), from the pricking action of a bird's beak in preening
Related forms
preener, noun
unpreened, adjective

preen2

[preen] /prin/
noun, Chiefly British Dialect
1.
a pin or brooch.
Origin
before 1000; Middle English prene, Old English prēon a pin; cognate with Old Norse prjōnn pin; akin to Dutch priem, German Pfreim awl
Examples from the web for preen
  • Many birds produce odors detectable to people, and mutually preen plumage, which could transmit information.
  • The kiwi's distinctive scent comes from the wax it secretes to preen its feathers.
  • In a banquette, people slouch or preen against a high, velvety backdrop.
  • Indeed, much of the ambience in which these fictional senators work and preen has vanished.
  • Mimicry can also be a great way to preen, or learn, or make a new friend.
  • She persuaded her friends to preen for the camera and pretend to be drunk on tea.
  • They are not able to preen on their heads, but when the mites are gone, the feathers return.
  • Many birds stay on the water to rest, court, and preen.
  • Eggs are incubated throughout the night and during the day except when she leaves the nest to preen herself or feed.
  • Birds often shake and preen immediately after dust bathing.
British Dictionary definitions for preen

preen1

/priːn/
verb
1.
(of birds) to maintain (feathers) in a healthy condition by arrangement, cleaning, and other contact with the bill
2.
to dress or array (oneself) carefully; primp
3.
(usually foll by on) to pride or congratulate (oneself)
Derived Forms
preener, noun
Word Origin
C14 preinen, probably from prunen to prune³, influenced by prenen to prick, pin (see preen²); suggestive of the pricking movement of the bird's beak

preen2

/priːn/
noun
1.
(Scot) a pin, esp a decorative one
Word Origin
Old English prēon a pin; related to Middle High German pfrieme awl, Dutch priem bodkin
Word Origin and History for preen
v.

"to trim, to dress up," late 14c., perhaps a variation of Middle English proynen, proinen "trim the feather with the beak" (see prune (v.)); or perhaps from Old French poroindre "anoint before," and Old French proignier "round off, prune." Middle English prene (from Old English preon, a general Germanic word) meant "to pin," and probably influenced the form of this word. Watkins, however, connects it with Latin unguere "to smear, anoint."

Because of the popularity of falconry, bird activities formerly were more closely observed and words for them were more precise in English than today.

Youre hawke proynith and not pikith and she prenyth not bot whan she begynnyth at hir leggys, and fetcheth moystour like oyle at hir taill. ["Book of St. Albans," 1486]