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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/ ː /
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/ ː /
noun
a pin, esp a decorative one
Other 51Թ Forms
- preener noun
- unpreened adjective
- ˈԱ noun
51Թ History and Origins
Origin of preen1
Origin of preen2
51Թ History and Origins
Origin of preen1
Origin of preen2
Example Sentences
That last is a sly point that’s been an enduring comic take of Hitler’s artistic preening.
It might be a bank holiday in the UK, but for the designers, publicists and PAs, it'll be an extraordinarily busy day as they preen and prepare their stars to walk the grand staircase.
The magic of blasting down a wall of water balanced on a few pounds of Styrofoam doesn’t typically translate to the rectangular page; too many efforts feel pompous, ponderous or preening.
Saxon is the preening alpha male, vocally on the prowl for sex, telling his little brother that he needs to drink more protein shakes and man up.
“When you have that double concentration, it really focuses you. It forces you to not lay back, becomes quite athletic. You don’t show, point, preen or strut, you do. That’s always the sweet spot.”
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