[preen] 
| 1. | (of animals, esp. 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. |
[preen] | a pin or brooch. |
| preen (prēn) v. preened, preen·ing, preens v. tr.
[Middle English proinen, preinen, blend of Old French proignier, to prune; see prune2, and Old French poroindre, to anoint before (por-, before from Latin prō-; see pro-1 + oindre, to anoint from Latin unguere).] preen'er n. |
"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]
