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preen
1[ preen ]
verb (used with object)
- (of animals, especially birds) to trim or dress (feathers, fur, etc.) with the beak or tongue:
The peacock preened itself on the lawn.
- to dress (oneself ) carefully or smartly; primp:
The king preened himself in his elaborate ceremonial robes.
- to pride (oneself ) on an achievement, personal quality, etc.:
He preened himself on having graduated with honors.
verb (used without object)
- to make oneself appear striking or smart in dress or appearance:
No amount of careful preening will compensate for poor posture.
- to be exultant or proud.
preen
2[ preen ]
noun
- a pin or brooch.
preen
1/ priːn /
verb
- (of birds) to maintain (feathers) in a healthy condition by arrangement, cleaning, and other contact with the bill
- to dress or array (oneself) carefully; primp
- usually foll by on to pride or congratulate (oneself)
preen
2/ priːn /
noun
- a pin, esp a decorative one
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Derived Forms
- ˈpreener, noun
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Other Words From
- preen·er noun
- un·preened adjective
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Word History and Origins
Origin of preen1
Origin of preen2
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Word History and Origins
Origin of preen1
Origin of preen2
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Example Sentences
Hot pink takes the Preen by Thornton Bregazzi runway in London.
This is not the first time Palin has attempted to sun and preen herself in the heat of a Thatcherite sun.
Rather than preen about whether he could win, Christie considered whether he should win.
An endless stream of 2012 presidential wannabes will preen for adoring fans and plentiful cameras.
A few moments to preen and promenade for the cameras following months of planning and fitting, hours of hair and makeup.
The stones and metal rattle inEach dry and withering ear, As lackadaisical they loll,And preen themselves, and peer.
I saw him rise from his chair; I saw the astounded look of old Deborah Preen when she came in with his supper ale in a jug.
The nurse wore a scared face; Deborah Preen, wringing her hands, burst out sobbing.
Softly, calmly, with the purest joy he sang, pausing at the end of every few bars to preen and call.
He was a very polished prince, and when he had eaten his dinner he turned round to the lady and sought a preen to pyke his teeth.
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