preen

Preen is defined as to take great care in cleaning oneself or another.

(verb)

See preen in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb

Origin: ME preynen, altered (infl. by preonen, to prick with a pin < preon < OE, a pin) < proinen, to prune

intransitive verb

to dress up in a fussy way; prink or primp

Related Forms:

See preen in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb preened, preen·ing, preens

verb, transitive

a. To smooth or clean (feathers) with the beak or bill.
b. To trim or clean (fur) with the tongue, as cats do.
To dress or groom (oneself) with elaborate care; primp.
To take pride or satisfaction in (oneself); gloat.

verb, intransitive

Origin:

Origin: Middle English proinen, preinen

Origin: , blend of Old French proignier, to prune; see prune²

Origin: , and Old French poroindre, to anoint before (por-, before from Latin prō-; see pro-¹ + oindre, to anoint from Latin unguere)

Related Forms:

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