preen
1Preen — bezeichnet: Preen (Adelsgeschlecht), mecklenburgisches Adelsgeschlecht Preen ist der Nachname von: Hugo von Preen (1854−1941), österreichischer Maler, Archäologe und Heimatforscher Otto von Preen (1579−1634), deutscher Jurist und Hofbeamter… …
2Preen — Preen, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Preened}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Preening}.] [See {Preen}, n.; or cf. {Prune}.] 1. To dress with, or as with, a preen; to trim or dress with the beak, as the feathers; said of birds. Derham. [1913 Webster] 2. To trim up, as… …
3Preen — Preen, n. [AS. pre[ o]n a clasp, bodkin; akin to D. priem punch, bodkin, awl, G. pfriem, Icel. prj[=o]nn a knitting needle, pin, Dan. preen a bodkin, punch.] A forked tool used by clothiers in dressing cloth. [1913 Webster] …
4preen — [pri:n] v [I and T] [Date: 1400 1500; Origin: Probably from Old French proignier; PRUNE1] 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… …
5Preen — Preen, v. i. To dress up neatly and smartly; to make oneself well groomed and well dressed. [PJC] 2. To feel proud of one s achievement; to swell or gloat. [PJC] …
6preen — ► VERB 1) (of a bird) tidy and clean its feathers with its beak. 2) devote effort to making oneself look attractive. 3) (preen oneself) congratulate or pride oneself. ORIGIN probably related to obsolete prune, from Latin ungere anoint …
7preen — [ prin ] verb intransitive or transitive 1. ) if a bird or animal preens or preens itself, it cleans and arrange its feathers or fur with its beak or tongue 2. ) to spend a lot of time trying to make yourself look more attractive by arranging… …
8preen — to trim, to dress up, late 14c., perhaps a variation of prune (v.), or from O.Fr. poroindre anoint before, and O.Fr. proignier round off, prune. O.E. preon meant to pin, and probably influenced this word. Due to the popularity of falconry, words… …
9preen — plume, *pride, pique Analogous words: congratulate, *felicitate …
10preen — [v] admire and clean oneself beautify, clean, doll up, groom, prettify, pretty, primp, prink, spruce up, tidy; concept 161 …
